It seems that Glasgow has come back to life today after pubs, cafes, restaurants and non-essential shops in the city reopened amid a further easing of lockdown restrictions as Scotland moved from Level 4 to Level 3 of the coronavirus tier system.
A long-awaited day for hospitality and business owners across the city, was greeted with much enthusiasm by Glaswegians who flocked to their favourite shops or haunts for a bit of retail therapy or to let their hair down a little as they caught up with pals.
The electric atmosphere was none-the-more so felt than in the pub beer gardens, where folk gathered en masse, despite the weather taking a wee turn for the worse since the weekend, to enjoy their first sip of a pint in what has felt like a lifetime.
And it came after Nicola Sturgeon tweeted this morning: "Best wishes to businesses opening up today. Recent months have been tough, but your sacrifices have helped save lives - thank you.
"To those heading to shops/cafes/pubs today - enjoy! But please take care and respect staff asking you to take precautions for your own safety."
Glasgow Live spoke to a few pub owners and hospitality operators to get their take on the welcome return of the crowds after such a long hiatus.
Graham Suttle, Managing Director of Kained Holdings and owner of The Finnieston, said: "It’s an amazing milestone for everybody and a hospitality industry after such a long time being closed. You’ll be seeing an industry overjoyed to be able to open the doors again and we are one of them.
"It’s a little bittersweet as some will not be able to open ever again but for those that can the challenge lies ahead and we’re all ready to meet that challenge. I cannot wait to see our industry back on its feet and firing on all cylinders delivering the best of Scottish food and drink to our customers."
The sentiment was echoed by Graham Chalmers, Curator at the Radisson RED Glasgow, who told us: "It’s great to be back! We launched our Be Kind To Hospitality campaign today and the response from customers has been really positive – as well as from our fellow venues.
"We are taking bookings on the day, for the day, every day if you want a last-minute drink or bite to eat, so come see us at the Red Sky Bar or the new extended Oui Bar Terrace.
"It feels amazing to again welcome our friends and supporters back to Glasgow’s best view. Stay safe, have fun and get ready for the weekend".
While Joshua Barr, owner of The Locale at Charing Cross added: "Rain or shine Glasgow knows how to have a good time!"
