Scotland lockdown roadmap: full list of dates for exit out of lockdown following Nicola Sturgeon's update

The First Minister announced dates for the easing of lockdown rules in Scotland
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Nicola Sturgeon has revealed dates for when parts of Scotland’s economy will reopen in April and May.

The First Minister’s highly-anticipated roadmap announcement included the lifting of the stay at home order, the reopening of non-essential businesses and hospitality and the easing of travel restrictions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Addressing the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 16 March, the First Minister set out a proposed timeline for easing Covid restrictions, beginning with the stay at home order on 2 April.

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to set out a timeline for lifting Covid restrictions in Scotland (Getty Images)Nicola Sturgeon is expected to set out a timeline for lifting Covid restrictions in Scotland (Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon is expected to set out a timeline for lifting Covid restrictions in Scotland (Getty Images)

Here is everything Nicola Sturgeon announced.

What did the First Minister announce?

Ms Sturgeon set out the next steps out of lockdown for Scotland in her Holyrood announcement.

She said case numbers in the country had fallen sharply as a result of the tight restrictions, but lifting them was still dependent on suppressing the virus and the vaccine rollout.

The current “stay at home” rule is the first to change, and will be replaced by guidance to “stay local” on 2 April.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Following that, it is hoped that the easing of restrictions will happen in three-week periods, starting on 5 April, then 26 April and then 17 May.

By mid-April, the government plans to have offered a first dose of the Covid vaccine to all nine priority groups, depending on supply, which will allow for a more significant easing of restrictions.

On 26 April, Scotland will move back into a modified levels system, similar to the one imposed before the lockdown.

More restrictions could then be lifted on 17 May, Ms Sturgeon said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

From early June, it is hoped that all of Scotland could move into Level 1, and by the end of June a move to Level 0 may be possible.

Here’s the full list of what will open and when:

2 April

The stay at home rule will change to “stay local” on 2 April.

People will be expected not to travel outside their local authority areas unless for an essential purpose.

It is hoped that this new guidance will only be in place for three weeks before it is eased further.

5 April

Sports for 12 to 17-year-olds are expected to resume.

More students will be able to return to on-campus learning.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A phased reopening of non-essential retail will begin, including click and collect services, homeware stores, car showrooms and forecourts.

Garden centres will also be able to reopen from this date.

Hairdressers and barber salons will reopen to clients from 5 April.

26 April

Return to the levels system from this date, with mainland Scotland moving from Level 4 to Level 3 while the island communities could move from Level 3 to Level 2.

Travel restrictions could be lifted entirely in mainland Scotland, while travel to the rest of the UK could be permitted on that date or soon after.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The government will discuss with island communities on how best to prevent the importation of new cases when travel restrictions are relaxed.

Hospitality venues will be able to serve people outdoors in groups of six from three households until 10pm, with alcohol permitted.

There could also be limited indoor opening of hospitality from this date, with the service of food and non-alcoholic beverages until 8pm and for no more than four people from two households.

Tourist accommodation will be able to reopen, subject to restrictions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

All remaining retail premises are expected to open on 26 April.

Libraries, museums and galleries will reopen.

Driving lessons and work in homes can take place.

Indoor gyms will reopen for individual exercise from this date.

The limit on weddings and funerals will be upped to 50.

People who are shielding will be able to return to work from 26 April.

17 May

A move to Level 2 for mainland Scotland.

Up to four people from two households will be able to socialise indoors in a private home or public space from 17 May.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hospitality venues will open until 10:30pm indoors with alcohol permitted, and 10:00pm outdoors with alcohol permitted.

Outdoor adult contact sport and indoor group exercise will restart.

Cinemas, amusement arcades, and bingo halls will open.

Small outdoor and indoor events will resume subject to capacity limits.

International travel will not be able to take place until at least 17 May, but it may not be possible for a further period after that.

Early June

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is hoped that all of Scotland will move to Level 1 on this date.

Up to six people from three households may be able to socialise indoors in a home or public place.

Up to eight people from three households could meet up outdoors, and eight 12 to 17 year olds could meet from eight households outdoors.

Hospitality may remain open until 11pm.

Attendance at events could increase, subject to capacity constraints.

Related topics: