Buddies got a taste of freedom yesterday as Renfrewshire’s bars, restaurants, gyms and shops reopened their doors for the first time this year.
Business owners and customers alike sought to shake off a traumatic 13 months as people were finally able to enjoy a workout with friends, a meal with loved ones and to buy a gift from their favourite shop.
Yesterday marked four months since hospitality and non- essential shops were permitted to open, with dozens of people grateful for a much-needed boost.
For those attending Paisley’s Abbey Inn, it was an opportunity to celebrate a birthday, a long overdue catch-up with friends and a pint of draft beer.
The reopening meant Stacey Jamieson was able to mark her 30th birthday in style.
The Paisley lass, complete with birthday sash and comedy glasses, was able to raise a glass with her family knowing that many others haven’t been quite so fortunate recently.
Stacey said she “didn’t expect” to the celebrating her 30th on a dull Monday afternoon but was “grateful” to be surrounded by friends and family for the occasion.
Her family was one of dozens to book a table at a pub, cafe or eatery in Paisley in a bid to see some “normalcy” returned to their lives.
Robbie Morrison, owner of Munchies and Leisureland in the town centre, said: “It’s good to see people coming through the doors again.
“It’s amazing to see every one of our regulars come back and to see a buzz about the street again is a boost.
“The mood has definitely lifted.”
Peter Danks and Ashleigh Podmore were delighted to tuck into lunch at Munchies, saying they were keen to introduce one-year-old daughter Orla to the things we usually take for granted.
“It’s absolutely brilliant just to be able to go somewhere for a meal,” Ashleigh said.
“We would do this kind of thing regularly so you do miss it.
“And it’s good to get Orla out and about.
“Wee ones are not socialising and meeting other people the way they ordinarily would so we’re looking forward to doing more of this.”
For shops such as White Cart Co and Houston’s Kiltmakers, they were delighted to welcome back regular customers and those searching for the perfect outfit and gift as the wedding and communion seasons kick off in earnest.
Joe Bisland, who owns White Cart Co with wife Tricia, said their customers were delighted to be browsing the high street as opposed to the internet.
He said: “We are delighted to be open, it has been a difficult time for us and our
customers.
“Our initial feeling is that we are going to be busy because there is definitely pent up demand for people who enjoy the shopping experience and like to physically see and touch the items.
“We thank our customers for their support during this difficult period but are now looking forward with a much more positive frame of mind to getting back to whatever kind of normalcy as we can.”
Lesley Dewar, who was on a “mission” to find a leaving gift for a friend yesterday, said while she was a little apprehensive about heading into town, she was happy she did.
“I’ve had a lovely experience today and the shop is so well laid out that that I’ve felt really comfortable,” she said.
Ewan MacDonald, from family business Houston’s said he was definitely seeing people shopping with more confidence.
He said: “The wedding season starts in April and runs to autumn, this year we expect bookings will steadily increase.
“And for communions, we are almost fully booked so it’s good to see people have more confidence [in these events going ahead and to see these bookings coming in.”
While lots of people headed straight to the nearest beer garden or shop, for some booking a training spot at the gym was much more important.
Free Fit in Paisley’s west end accepted seven new members within three hours of opening.
Owner Elaine Elliott told the Express the ability to train indoors with peers was just the therapy needed for those who have struggled with the Covid-19 lockdowns the most.
She said: “People may think we come here for vanity, or to look a certain way, but we come here because our social circle is here, and it gives us a drive and a focus which helps us massively with our mental health.
“The impact of lockdown on people’s mental health, from the strongest of us to those who have previously struggled, is harsh.”
Personal trainer Darryl Jones added: “My mental health took a massive hit.
“The gym for me is an outlet.
“ If something is bothering me I can work that out in here.
“Day-to-day having to reply on stuff that the doctor has prescribed rather than having the gym as an outlet has been tough.
“But seeing everyone in here today has been so nice; it really is the simple things that make the biggest
difference.”
