BUSINESSES in East Lothian have spoken of their delight after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that almost all remaining coronavirus rules in Scotland would be scrapped next week.

Ms Sturgeon announced that Scotland would move beyond Level 0 restrictions on Monday as scheduled.

Among the changes will see the requirement for social distancing scrapped, meaning that hospitality venues will also be able to return to full capacity and bar service in pubs can resume.

James Findlay, manager of The Waterside Bistro in Haddington, was thrilled with the news and told the Courier: “We are so happy about the relaxation of restrictions but will remain cautious for the safety of guests and for our staff.

“We will continue with some rules and ease into the new restrictions, but it is brilliant that this is in our hands now.

“Producing a negative test and not having to isolate will keep business going.

“We will continue to implement masks, track and trace, some type of distancing to assure safety to our customers.

“We are overall delighted.”

Alan Russell, owner of the Longniddry Inn, said: "From a social point of view, it is a great step forward.

"During the pandemic we had to buy screens to put up in the restaurant.

"Now we can hopefully use our function hall again, take more people in but of course we are cautious to move forward, and we will continue to make sure people feel at ease.

"A lot of events were cancelled for us during Covid; we had no weddings, christenings, anniversaries but we are beginning to have people book back in with us.

"Our screens may go, and we may move our sofas back in, so people have a space to enjoy and relax with a coffee.

"It is a great step forward."

Other rule changes mean that nightclubs, live music venues and theatres can finally reopen for the first time in nearly 18 months. People will still need to register details as part of Test and Protect.

The current rules on face masks will still apply – potentially for several months – including in schools for at least six weeks at the start of term.

Regarding self-isolation, people who identify as a close contact of a positive case and have been double vaccinated, receiving their second dose more than two weeks prior, will need to get a PCR test and can end isolation when a negative result returns.

People are also asked to remain working from home where possible but businesses are being asked to develop a hybrid model of both office and at-home working.

Ms Sturgeon also announced that an app was being created to make access to Covid certificates easier.

Locally, there will be no immediate effect on East Lothian Council services.

Depute council leader Councillor Norman Hampshire said: “The further easing of Covid-related restrictions announced by the First Minister reflects the falling infection rates both in East Lothian and nationally and has been broadly welcomed by the local community and particularly by local businesses.

"We must remain vigilant, though, in our approach to make sure infection rates continue to drop to as low a level as possible.

“East Lothian Council is currently awaiting detailed guidance from the Scottish Government regarding how this can be implemented within our buildings and within the staffing resources available to us. We remain in a challenging time, with resources stretched and will continue to take a planned and phased approach but have already started enhanced cleaning preparations at all of our schools in readiness for the new term and have detailed the re-opening schedule for the final three of our 12 libraries.

"In common with other local authorities, East Lothian Council has prioritised essential services during the pandemic and has been able to maintain these key services and will continue to do so, either at the currently open buildings or online.”

Paul McLennan, East Lothian MSP, said: “The hard-earned easing of restrictions will be a welcome step for so many in East Lothian and will come as huge relief as we look to life beyond Level 0.

"The easing of restrictions has only been possible because of the high uptake of the vaccine, which has surpassed all Scottish Government expectation among most age groups.

“The pandemic has not ended. The risk of coronavirus is still very real. We must still remain cautious, wear our masks, test ourselves regularly, practise hygiene measures and continue to be vaccinated to protect those most vulnerable in our communities.

“The remaining baseline mitigation measures are our last push towards normality. I am very grateful for the efforts of everyone in East Lothian who have for the last year followed the rules to keep everyone safe.”

Kenny MacAskill, East Lothian MP, said: “It’s welcome news as life’s been hard. Some greater clarity on aspects is required and questions remain about some things being allowed but not others.

“But if we proceed with caution then we can hopefully stay safe but enjoy new-found freedoms.

“It’s still surprising, though, that with schools returning soon, vaccinating young people hasn’t been prioritised. That must be accelerated.”

Martin Whitfield, South Scotland MSP, said: “I welcome this further easing of restrictions but we are at a really crucial point for Scotland’s recovery and the Scottish Government has to focus on the recovery in the months ahead.

“While it is certainly good to see positive improvements in the rate of cases and numbers in hospital, we need to target the vaccination effort to the groups where it lags in order to maintain the progress and intensity of the programme.

“The next phase must also be about ongoing support for businesses and employers. While many businesses will welcome these steps forward, some will not be able to bounce back immediately.

“As we come to the end of furlough, Scottish Government support to ensure that livelihoods are protected and businesses can have confidence in their recovery will be more crucial than ever.”

Fellow South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy, who also represents Haddington and Lammermuir on East Lothian Council, said: “The further lifting of restrictions is to be welcomed and will allow people and businesses in East Lothian to take further steps back to normality. I back the changes to self-isolation rules for double vaccinated and younger people.

“But the SNP Government is still moving the goalposts and causing public confusion and problems for local business.

“Face masks in schools, capacity constraints at events, guidance on social distancing and the possibility of future local lockdowns and travel bans still remain in place.

“Without a clear idea of what comes next, I am fearful that people will lose patience with these last-minute extensions to limitations on their lives. Clear communication is essential to maintaining public trust and compliance and we are not getting this from the Scottish Government presently.”