Carlton Bingo is preparing to welcome back customers on Monday with a relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions.
The Stirling club has been open for a total of just 43 days during the course of the pandemic, with bosses fearing its number could be up for good.
But with bingo fans - many of them who see the club as a social lifeline - desperate to get back and enjoy the game, there are renewed hopes that the fortunes of the industry could be turning.
Carlton spokesperson Mike Watret said: “We are re-opening next week in Stirling (subject to Scot Gov confirmation for May 17) and our management and staff teams have been busy getting the clubs ready to welcome customers once again.
“We are re-opening with the same restrictions in place as when we closed although, like other indoor hospitality venues, we are subject to maximum numbers to ensure safety is maintained.
“The safety of everyone remains our top priority. It’s been a long, hard road for everyone over the last year.
“By May 17, 424 days will have passed since we were first told to close our doors (March 19 ,2020) and during this time, we have been permitted to open on just 43 days in Stirling. Our last day operating in Stirling was Friday, October 9 – seven months ago.
“Aside from the obvious financial pressure this has put Carlton under, the key impact has been felt by our employees and our customers.
“Our employees have had to endure the last year on furlough whilst, for many of our customers, bingo is a lifeline for them, especially the more elderly customers many of whom live alone and have had to endure the last year being apart from family as well as their friends at the bingo.
“Having said this we will re-open with confidence for the future, not least because our fantastic employees and customers will ensure the bingo numbers keep getting called in Stirling.”
