A Tayside gardening store will operate an “appointment only” policy upon its reopening on Friday as Scotland takes its first small steps out of lockdown.
Jamesfield Garden Centre in Abernethy will welcome back customers from 9am – but management have put in place restrictions aimed at preventing potential spread of coronavirus.
The store will initially be open by appointment only to control numbers inside. Customers are being asked to shop alone if possible.
Certain sports will also be allowed, as will sunbathing and meeting with small groups from other households.
A statement from Jamesfield Garden Centre reads: “Initially we will be opening by appointment only, so that we can better control the number of customers in the garden centre at any one time.
“We would prefer it if you came alone, however, we can allow one other person from your household to accompany you.
“If you are showing symptoms of Covid-19, or think you may have been in contact with someone who is, please do not come to the garden centre at this time, but make use of our home delivery service instead.
“We encourage customers to wear face coverings.
“Separate entry and exit points, one way systems where appropriate, hand washing stations, perspex screens on tills and disinfection of trolleys and baskets will be in place.”
Dobbies is also reopening all of its stores across Scotland. The company has branches in Monifieth, Perth and Dunfermline.
A statement issued by Dobbies reads: “Following updated guidance from the Scottish Government, our stores in Scotland will open on Friday, May 29 at 9am.
“Our restaurants will reopen for takeaway from Tuesday, June 2.
“For the safety of our customers and team members we have implemented social distancing measures throughout the store.”
The Brechin Castle Garden Centre is also among those reopening from Friday with strict new rules in place in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A new entrance has been established along with a one-way system, cleaning and hand sanitising stations, signage to allow for safe social distancing, and perspex screens at tills.
In a statement, management said: “We have been working hard to ensure that our store is a safe environment for all our customers and staff, and you will find we have made lots of changes to ensure your visit complies with all Scottish Government regulations.”
However the coffee shop and country park will remain closed.
Glendoick Garden Centre is also reopening from Friday with strict new measures in place including card-only payments, a one-way system, social-distancing protocols for queuing, PPE availability for shoppers, and a customer limit of two people per household.
Caulders’ garden centres in Cupar and Kinross are also due to reopen on Friday morning.
In Dunfermline, both Fairley’s Garden Centre and The Plant Market will reopen.
