Scotland’s pubs, restaurants and cinemas will be allowed to open fully next week, as the country moves to phase three in its easing of lockdown restrictions.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it marked “the most significant milestone yet in Scotland’s emergence from lockdown”.

As well as pubs and restaurants, tourist accommodation, museums and galleries can also open their doors from Wednesday.

Some pubs and restaurants in Scotland have already reopened – but only if they have been able to serve customers outdoors.

From tomorrow, up to 15 people from five different households will be able to meet outdoors. Indoors, eight people from three different households can meet.

The two-metre distancing rule remains in place in Scotland but there will be exemptions for retail and hospitality venues, under strict conditions, as well as on public transport.

Face coverings will be mandatory in shops from tomorrow and Ms Sturgeon said wearing a covering “should become as automatic as a seatbelt in a car.”

Ms Sturgeon outlined the phase three changes in a statement to the Scottish Parliament.

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