B&Q has re-opened 14 stores in Scotland after successfully trialling safe social distancing measures.
The DIY retail giant initially only opened a store in Paisley as it tested using floor markers and protective screens for staff.
But six more chains will open from today, in locations including Edinburgh, Bishopbriggs, Coatbridge and Kirkaldy.
It comes after B&Q stores in Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Dundee opened their doors yesterday.
We reported that shoppers flocked to the Garthdee branch in Aberdeen yesterday and queued for hours.
A long line of DIY fans could be seen waiting two metres apart in the car park, as staff in high-vis jackets limited the number of people entering the store.
Footage emerged at the weekend of snaking queues of customers around the Paisley store.
The chain was criticised for opening the store, but has said it is now in a position to "follow best practice" on hygiene and social distancing measures in order to keep its staff and customers safe.
Although B&Q stores have been closed since the end of March, customers have been able to buy items through the Click&Collect services.
B&Q bosses say they are continuing to offer Click+Collect service at diy.com.
However 'it may take several days for orders to be ready, and may be temporarily unavailable at busy times'.
B&Q decided to open its stores to customers after watching "other essential retailers support social distancing".
They plan to limit the number of shoppers in store at one time, display markers on the floor and will have perspex screens to protect staff at checkouts.
The stores opening are:
- Aberdeen - Bridge Of Don and Garthdee Road
- Bishopbriggs
- Coatbridge
- Dundee
- East Kilbride
- Edinburgh - Hermiston Gait and Newcraighall
- Glasgow – Darnley, Great Western Road and Parkhead
- Inverness
- Kirkcaldy
- Paisley
A B&Q spokesperson said: "As an essential retailer, we’ve watched other essential retailers support social distancing in their stores and are in a position to follow best practice and re-open a small number of our stores as a trial, while keeping our colleagues and customers safe.
"At these 14 trial stores, we’ve introduced social distancing controls, similar to shopping at a supermarket.
"We continue to urge all customers to follow the Government’s social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only for what is necessary."
They added: "B&Q is continuing to offer Click+Collect service at diy.com.
"However, it may take several days for orders to be ready, and may be temporarily unavailable at busy times."
For more updates visit our Coronavirus in Scotland live blo g.
