Customers flock to Grangemouth town centre as popular jewellers and other businesses re-open

York Arcade looked to be doing a roaring trade, with not only Ross Philip opening its doors to customers again for the first time since Christmas, but also Stitches wool shop, JH Kilt Hire and lots more able to greet people once again as COVID-19 restrictions were eased.

Lynne Rennie, Ross Philip owner, said: “We are just back full-time today and just so happy to see customers old and new coming through the doors. It’s been really busy this morning – it’s been constant.

"In fact the whole town centre has been busy – we have a lot of great customers who have supported us.”

From today, the Scottish Government has allowed all non-essential businesses to reopen under level three guidelines.

This includes close contact services such as beauty salons and other non-essential shops like clothes stores, charity shops, toy shops, home ware and electronic goods stores.

Hospitality venues such as cafés, pubs and restaurants can also reopen their outdoor areas, as will tourist accommodation venues, indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries.

Gyms and swimming pools have also re-opened today with measures in place to protect both staff and customers.

Between the start of lockdown on Boxing Day last year until April 5, only essential stores such as those selling food, pet supplies and medicine, as well as post offices, fuel stations and DIY stores, had remained open to customers.