Indoor gyms and swimming pools across Scotland can begin to reopen from tomorrow, after Nicola Sturgeon brought forward the date.
After initially indicating September 14, the First Minister said she was confidence sports facilities could reopen earlier than planned.
It is particularly good news for children aged 0-12, as all indoor sports, including gymnastics, dance and ice skating can resume from tomorrow. For adults and young people aged 12 and over, non-contact activity can also resume.
Indoor activities for children and young people (unregulated) can also resume subject to guidance that will vary by activity. Indoor youth work can resume for young people in line with guidance.
From Monday September 14, more indicitave dates have been released by Nicola Sturgeon, including the reopening of indoor soft play centres, indoor live events such as standing concerts – with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene, and restricted numbers.
Indoor sports courts– including skating, gymnastics and dance studios may also be allowed for over 12s for contact sports, as well as outdoor focussed standing live events – with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene, and restricted numbers.
Scottish sports bodies have previously welcomed a relaxation of lockdown restrictions which will allow the reopening of indoor facilities and the return of outdoor contact sport for adults.
Sportscotland stated that the agency was continuing to work with government and sports governing bodies to develop detailed plans for a number of sports and activities. And it stressed that venues would likely take a phased approach to reopening facilities from August 31.
Sportscotland chief executive Stewart Harris said: "The reopening of facilities, which will play a key role in Scotland's recovery from the pandemic, will be widely welcomed by clubs, individuals and the wider public.
"However, it is important to recognise that several challenges including the current economic landscape still need to be overcome before the delivery of sport in local communities and at a club level will be considered back towards something like normal."
