A new dawn awaits Inverness and the Highlands as retail, outdoor hospitality and gyms are allowed to reopen from Monday for the first time this year as coronavirus restrictions are further eased
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Businesses are preparing themselves for a manic, yet magic, Monday when they get the chance to reopen for the first time this year.
Anticipation is building after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed coronavirus-related restrictions would be eased.
Inverness Business Improvement District (BID) chairman Peter Strachan said: “It’s excellent news and it is good to see the government set out the roadmap for reopening – albeit in a steady way.
“We’ve had a long, hard time, and it is good to see some light at the end of the tunnel. I think everyone is looking forward to welcoming people back into the city centre.”
The return of non-essential shops and outdoor hospitality from Monday will lift the city centre after lockdown was imposed on Boxing Day.
Mr Strachan said businesses across the city were looking forward to being able to reopen, adding: “We can’t wait to get people back into the businesses.
“I know some businesses have stayed open through the last few months, offering takeaway services and things of that nature, but it will be good to see everybody coming into the city centre. I would just like to see people eating and drinking locally in Inverness.
“We have got such a wide range of really good offers and products from businesses in the city centre and I think it’s good to be able to reopen the doors.”
Mr Strachan said there was an air of optimism with more businesses being able to reopen. He said: “I think with the lighter nights now and the hopefully warmer days, I think people will be keen to get out of the house and do something a wee bit different – and that is not just running into a big shop, getting what you want and running back out, it is just having a wee browse and seeing what is on offer and sitting down, having a drink and a bite to eat if you can.”
David Richardson, the Federation of Small Businesses’ Highlands and Islands development manager, said: “As travel restrictions are lifted and the Scottish economy slowly reopens, the Highland capital’s interesting and colourful small business community will be breathing a massive sigh of relief as they dust down their premises, restock, and ensure that they are Covid-safe.
“They will be keeping their fingers crossed for a really busy summer so that they can get back on even keels, for many have found life to be very tough of late.
“Small Highland businesses are light on their feet and highly adaptable and resilient, and they always do their utmost to rise to any challenges.”
