Covid: Hairdressers and garden centres reopening in Scotland today as restrictions ease

Hairdressers, garden centres and homeware stores can reopen in Scotland from today as further coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

The move is part of the country’s route map out of lockdown which was first unveiled by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on March 16.

What restrictions are being lifted today?

As well as hairdressers, garden centres and homeware stores, click-and-collect services will also resume.

However, visits to hairdressers and barbers must be pre-booked in advance.

University and college students will return for in-person teaching and outdoor contact sports for 12 to 17-year-olds will restart.

What’s the next step for Scotland?

Monday's move will be followed on April 26 with a wider reopening of the economy, with beer gardens and gyms returning to trading and more people being able to meet up outdoors and inside public places.

Ms Sturgeon previously said she hopes the country will return to normality by the summer.

Monday's opening has been welcomed by retail groups but hospitality businesses have been more sceptical.

The Scottish Beer & Pub Association said that pubs will have missed out on selling eight million pints at Easter due to the fact they are still required to remain closed.