Bingo, bowling and learning to drive are back...
BINGO, driving lessons and outdoor sports were all given the go-ahead to resume yesterday as lockdown restrictions in Scotland were eased.
The changes came into effect nearly seven weeks into phase three of the route map out of lockdown.
Snooker and pool halls, amusement arcades and casinos are also allowed to reopen with enhanced hygiene practices in place. Bowling alleys across Scotland also opened their doors again yesterday.
World of Bowling, which has a site at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange, said it was ‘good to go’.
The company said all balls and lanes would be continuously santised and a reduced number of lanes will be in operation, with all staff members wearing masks and gloves.
Learner drivers will also be allowed to return to lessons. The changes came amid fears of more localised lockdowns following clusters breaking out in Aberdeen and Perthshire as well as in schools.
Aberdeen – the first city to be put on lockdown since phase three started – is set to reopen hospitality venues tomorrow, with social distancing still in place.
Diane Ward, a qualified driving instructor from Carnoustie, Angus, who runs her own company, Learn To Pass, was back on the road for the first time yesterday.
The 57-year-old had to postpone her wedding when lockdown was imposed.
Miss Ward said: ‘I’ve been a driving instructor for six years. The lockdown hit and I haven’t worked since March 19.
‘I was due to go on my hen do. The wedding is off.
‘My other half is furloughed until October 1. It has all been a long slog.’
She added: ‘I’ve been cleaning the car in between the pupils and keeping the mask on. There are disposable seat covers in the car, masks and gloves are not compulsory and we’ve checks to do for every next pupil.’
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) also welcomed confirmation that Scottish casinos can reopen.
Casinos have been closed since March as part of the national effort to slow down the spread of the virus.
BGC chief executive Michael Dugher said the Scottish Government deserved credit for listening to the industry.
But he said ministers should continue to engage with the sector to ensure ongoing restrictions are practical and necessary. Mr Dugher said: ‘Like their colleagues in England,
Scottish casinos have gone above and beyond what was required of them to ensure they comply with all of the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines.
‘Scottish casino workers can now look forward to providing an excellent service to their many customers and doing their bit in supporting the UK’s economic recovery.’
‘Checks to do for every pupil’