Dumfries and Galloway's pubs, restaurants and shops given green light to reopen on April 26

Dumfries and Galloway's pubs, restaurants and shops have been given the green light to reopen on Monday.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has just confirmed the plan to proceed with the next steps of the Scottish Government's timetable for easing lockdown restrictions.

Mainland Scotland will move into level three of the restriction system on Monday, having been at level four since Boxing Day.

That means from Monday, non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen, along with a range of other businesses including gyms, hotels and tourist attractions.

Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to welcome back customers, with strict rules in place.

Alcohol can only be served outside until 10pm, with tables allowed to seat up to six people from six different households.

Inside the rules are six people from two households, with service allowed until 8pm. No alcohol is permitted.

Monday will also see the limit on wedding numbers increased from 20 to 50, with alcohol allowed at receptions.

And the ban on travel to and from other parts of the UK will also be lifted - although the First Minister stressed it may be necessary to have local travel restrictions "from time to time".

The next big change is due to take place on May 17, when people will be allowed to meet in homes for the first time this year. That is also hoped to be date when the country moves to level two.