A SOFT play centre which was given planning permission just three days before the first lockdown is finally getting ready to welcome its first visitors.

Softspott in Dunbar was approved by East Lothian Council on March 20 last year, only for Scotland to be put into lockdown almost immediately afterwards.

Now, finally, the father-and-son team of George and Ross Queen have been given the good news that soft plays throughout East Lothian can re-open from Saturday.

Ross was keen to welcome youngsters and their families to the venue on the town’s Spott Road, with hopes it could open soon.

He said: “It has just been an absolute nightmare between Covid and Brexit. The Covid restrictions meant we could not open but because it was going through Brexit we struggled to get a lot of materials and a lot of equipment.”

About a dozen jobs are to be created through the business, with five full-time members of staff.

Mr Queen spoke to the Courier on Tuesday but stressed there were still questions needing answered before they could open. He was unsure if the soft play centre would only be open through bookings or if it was allowed a certain number of youngsters at any one time.

The easing of restrictions has been welcomed by other soft play centres across the county, including Jabberwocky in Haddington.

The facility, on Lodge Street, opened in 2015 and Tom Warren, owner and manager, was “delighted” with the announcement, with families regularly getting in touch asking when it would reopen.

The business is due to open on Wednesday and Mr Warren said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to reopen at last. Customers have been so supportive, it’s great to know we’ve been missed!

“We’ll be using a bookable online entry system to keep numbers of children low meantime, but we think parents will accept that safety is a priority for everyone.

“Parents will still be able to just drop in, if space allows.”

Alison Hay, supervisor, was similarly pleased to return and said: “Almost all the team are returning and we’re very excited to be seeing the children again.

“Lockdown has been a big strain on parents with young families and we really hope the soft play will give them a break.”