Full list of essential shops to stay open in Scotland's level 4 Boxing Day lockdown

From Boxing Day, most of Scotland will be plunged into the toughest lockdown tier in a bid to stop the new strain of coronavirus spreading.

Under Tier 4  restrictions, non-essential businesses will be forced to close, including clothes shops, gyms, hairdressers and restaurants.

Nicola Sturgeon  announced  the restrictions - which are set to remain in place for three weeks - during an emergency press briefing on Saturday.

The closures will likely be another blow to stores during what is usually a busy Boxing Day sales period after an already challenging year for retailers.

Under Tier 4 restrictions, non-essential businesses will be forced to close (AFP via Getty Images)

Orkney,  Shetland  and the Western Isles are the only areas exempt and will move to level three - which allows non-essential retailers to open.

So, what are the essential shops that will stay open across Scotland under level 4?

Food

All supermarkets, food shops, markets, takeaways, newsagents and off-licenced and licenced shops can stay open.

These include:

• Sainsbury's
• Asda
• Tesco
• Morrisons
• Lidl
• Aldi
• M&S
• Waitrose
• Co-operative
• Scotmid

Pharmacy

Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists will remain open. This includes:

• Boots
• Superdrug
• Specsavers
• Vision Express

DIY and homeware

Homeware, building supplies, hardware stores and bicycle shops will be allowed to stay open. These includes:

• B&M
• Homebase
• Home Bargains
• IKEA
• Pondland
• Next Home
• Timpsons
• B&Q
• Wickes
• The Toolbox
• Toolstation
• Halfords

Gardening

Garden centres and plant nurseries are classed as essential. This includes:

• Dobbies Garden Centre

Travel

Some services relating to travel - including car sales - are classed as essential. This includes:

• Petrol stations (including at supermarkets)
• Car repair and MOT services
• Taxi or vehicle hire businesses
• Garages
• Outdoor car lots

Banks and Post office

The Post Office and banks will be open throughout tier 4 lockdown. Services include:

• Banks
• Building societies
• Credit unions
• Short-term loan providers
• Savings clubs
• Cash points and undertakings which by way of business operate a currency exchange office, transmit money (or any representation of money) by any means or cash cheques which are made payable to customers
• Post Offices

Pets shops and vets

Veterinary surgeons and pet shops are classed as essential.

• Pets at Home

Medical services

• Dental services
• Opticians
• Audiology services
• Chiropody services
• Chiropractors
• Osteopaths

• Mental health services

Markets

Sales which happen in outdoor spaces can serve customers. This includes:

• Food markets
• Livestock markets
• Farmers markets
• Car auction lots

• Outdoor garden centres and plant nurseries

Car parks and toilets

Other essential services, such as car parks, toilets and storage will be open.

• Car parks
• Public toilets
• Storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points
• Funeral directors
• Laundrettes and dry cleaners
 

Medical and health services will be available during lcokdown. These include: