Shoppers have been queuing in Aberdeen, Inverness and Elgin today as retailers reopened their doors for the first time since March.
People were seen waiting outside Primark stores in Union Street, Aberdeen, and Bridge Street, Inverness, and at Elgin’s Springfield Retail Park.
Non-essential shops have been shut since the country went into lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The queues in Aberdeen stretched from Primark back to the Bridge Street junction.
Around a third of those queuing were wearing masks, with most staying two metres apart.
Smaller queues were also seen outside Next, Hobbycraft and Clarks at Union Square.
Curry’s PC World appeared to be the hot ticket in Elgin, with crowds gathered outside its shop in Springfield Retail Park.
New rules for shops, announced by the Scottish Government last week, allowed those with street access to reopen today.
Stores inside shopping centres are still closed.
Shoppers are being encouraged to maintain social distancing, follow instructions inside and outside shops, follow hygiene measures and be respectful to staff.
As many retailers are reopening today, please remember to maintain social distancing at all times, follow instructions inside and outside of stores and queue considerately. See https://t.co/8LOWCx8CIJ for more information. @AberdeenCC pic.twitter.com/CYJ0xEdqUX
— Aberdeen City Council Trading Standards (@AberdeenCityTS) June 29, 2020
Aberdeen City Council’s Trading Standards team are also urging people to maintain social distancing at all times.
Nicola Sturgeon earlier urged shoppers to act responsibly and not to “squander” virus progress.
Queues of shoppers formed at stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh ahead of doors opening on Monday morning.
The First Minister tweeted: “If you plan on visiting shops today, please do so responsibly.
If you plan on visiting shops today, please do so responsibly. Maintain physical distancing, follow hygiene advice, wear a face covering and respect staff who may be asking you to shop differently. We’ve made so much progress against the virus – let’s not squander it. #StaySafe
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 29, 2020
“Maintain physical distancing, follow hygiene advice, wear a face covering and respect staff who may be asking you to shop differently.
“We’ve made so much progress against the virus – let’s not squander it. #StaySafe.”