The Easter weekend is finally here and Scotland has welcomed a further easing of lockdown restrictions after three long months.
The stay at home rule has been lifted today, Good Friday and, replaced with 'stay local' – meaning people can make non-essential journeys to parks and beauty spots within their local authority area.
It's good news for millions who have been told to remain at home since Christmas, with the rules lifting for the first time in three months.
So, what restrictions are easing over the Easter weekend and when?
Good Friday restrictions easing
- Stay at home rule replaced with stay local
The stay at home rule which has been in place in Scotland for more than three months has been lifted.
People have been told to "stay local" and to remain within their local authority boundaries for the next three weeks from Good Friday.
Now, people can make non-essential journeys such as visits to parks and beauty spots locally - but should not leave their council area.
Exceptions to the current restriction include healthcare reasons, for work, education or essential shopping.
Up to four adults from two households are currently allowed to meet locally in any outdoor space, including in private gardens, for social and recreational purposes as well as exercise.
Police Scotland's Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham issued a warning ahead of the Easter weekend, urging people to stay local unless for essential purposes.
He said: "While Easter weekend is traditionally a time for visiting friends and family, I would urge people to stay local and follow the regulations on gatherings.
"If you are visiting beauty spots within your local area, do so safely and respectfully - leaving no trace of your visit. Please also park responsibly to allow emergency access."
Easter Monday restrictions easing
- Hairdressers and barbers reopen
- Garden centres will be allowed to trade
- Car showrooms and homeware shops reopen
- Shops to resume click and collect
- Outdoor contact sport for children 12 to 17
Further easing of restrictions in Scotland from Monday will enable barbers, hairdressers, car showrooms, homeware shops and garden centres to reopen.
Shops will be allowed to resume click and collect services.
In addition, outdoor contact sports for 12 to 17-year-olds can start again and college students will be able to return to in-person teaching for practical subjects.
What can you do this Easter weekend
- Leave your home for non-essential reasons – Stay Local rule comes into place on Friday April 2
- Get a haircut – salons and barbers reopen on Monday April 5
- Visit a garden centre – reopening on Monday April 5
- Go shopping – some non-essential retail is opening from Monday April 5
What you can't do yet in Scotland
- Meet people indoors - you won't be mix in other households until Scotland returns to a tier system
- Go to a pub or restaurant - hospitality is still closed except for takeaway or delivery
- Go clothes shopping - Non-essential stores are still closed in Scotland
- Travel to another city or go for a staycation - People are urged to 'stay local'
- Go to the gym or cinema - All leisure activities should resume on May 17
- Get nails or eyebrows done - Beauty treatments will resume from April 26
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