A higher police presence at Scotland's train stations is expected today as thousands of thirsty Scots are set to flood across the border today for their first pint in a pub.
England is set for a 'Super Saturday' on the US’s Independence Day as pubs open their doors again today - and pub bosses south of the border say that Scots are filling their bookings.
Bar-owners on the English side of the border have revealed up to a third of their bookings are from Scots - prompting concern for Scotland's COVID-19 rate.
Drinkers in Scotland will have to wait until Monday for beer gardens to reopen, or July 15 for pubs to get fully started again.
But there are no rules against Scots heading to England for a drink other than the normal zero-tolerance crackdown on drink driving for those who are heading south by car.
However, many pubs in England are operating a bookings-only policy to prevent overcrowding and to maintain social-distancing measures.
At The Meadow House, in Berwick-upon-Tweed, bosses reckon up to 30 per cent of their bookings are from Scots desperate for a beer and a bite to eat, with some travelling from as far as Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Ashley James, who runs pub, said his venue is re-opening with an emphasis on serving food to accompany drinks and is fully booked.
Hundreds are set to visit the bar but only 80 people will be allowed in at any one time.
Ashley said: “We have bookings from as far away as Glasgow. Edinburgh has also been a hotspot for bookings, along with the Borders. About 30 per cent of our bookings have come from Scotland and we’re looking forward to welcoming them.
“We have a large beer garden and spacious areas inside which allow us to adhere to social distancing of two metres wherever possible."
Police will not be setting up border checks or stopping cars but Police Scotland said officers will be on the lookout for drink drivers.
According to Heart Scotland, train stations in Scotland will have a heavier police presence today in attempt to curb people travelling to pubs south of the border by train.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “We are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.
“We recognise that people have made significant sacrifices but we would ask them to continue to comply with the regulations and the Scottish Government’s guidance.
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"Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance.
“We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.
“Police Scotland is carrying out its Summer Drink and Drug Drive campaign and we have officers out on proactive patrols on a daily basis to deter and detect drink or drug driving.”
People from Scotland travelling to Northumbria will have a different experience to those who cross the border at Gretna.
Cumbria Police said people travelling from parts of the UK with restrictions will be given “appropriate advice” and directed to return to their own area – but added enforcement will be a “last resort”.
The big re-opening down south comes as five-mile travel restrictions are lifted in Scotland – apart from some parts of Dumfries and Galloway.
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