Dumfries and Galloway kids finally return to soft play centres as coronavirus restrictions ease

Kids have finally been able to enjoy an indoor soft play area for the first time in more than a year.

Soft play areas across the country have been closed since March last year as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.

But Dumfries and Galloway moving to level one of the restriction system on Saturday gave the green light for such attractions to reopen.

And on Tuesday youngsters were welcomed back to the Busy Bees soft play at Ernespie Farm centre on the outskirts of Castle Douglas.

(Jim McEwan)

There had been a brief period towards the end of 2020 when soft play could reopen, although at the time Ernespie owner Mr McMiken said he would be holding off until the New Year due to the amount of work required to meet the guidelines. And that plan was thwarted when the country was plunged back into lockdown on Boxing Day as case numbers rose.

However, as of this week kids are now welcome back to play indoors at Ernespie, although sessions must be booked in advance.

The latest lockdown easing also allows pubs and restaurants to stay open until 11pm, while groups of up to 12 people from 12 households can now meet outdoors.

And 100 people can now attend wedding receptions and funerals - up from the previous limit of 50.