Golf and fast food back on the menu

Sports clubs and businesses are preparing to get back to business after the coronavirus lockdown was eased.

As part of the first phase of the Scottish Government’s‘route map’out of lockdown a number of restrictions have been lifted, meaning that people can meet friends and relatives in parks and gardens with social distancing — as long as the country continues to move forward in the fight against Covid-19.

Leisure activities — including golf, tennis, bowls and fishing — are now permitted subject to appropriate hygiene and social distancing.

More businesses are also able to open — including drive-through food outlets — with McDonald’s in Stirling set to follow the advice.

Members at Killin Golf Club have been left frustrated during the lockdown, but club secretary John Strang says the biggest challenge has been financial.

He said:“As a very rural club, we are highly dependent on visiting parties and day guests to supplement our income.

“An unfortunate victim of this was the cancellation for a group from Glasgow who have been supporting us for 40 years.

“During the lockdown period, we have in fact suffered from negative revenue as we have had to refund entry fees for all of our competitions which have been cancelled for the year.”

He added:“The planned opening for Friday gives the members a great boost as they can once again get back out to play.

“This being phase one, however, play is restricted to members only, so from a revenue point of view we are still in need of those fees from guests and visitors.”

Balfron Golf Club is also gearing up for its return. Greig Denton said:“Members are looking forward to the imminent return of our much loved game.”

Callander Golf Club also plans to reopen its course today.

And fast-food fans will be able to get their fix after burger giant McDonald’s this week announced it is to reopen every Scottish drive-through restaurant between June 2-4.

To manage high demand, McDonald’s will release the locations of the reopening restaurants on the morning of each day.

Elsewhere in Stirling, Halfords has reopened with“extensive social distancing measures in place”.

JD Wetherspoon has drawn up plans to ensure that its staff and customers are safe at its Crossed Peels pub in Stirling when it reopens.