Scottish relaxation of rules welcomed by retailers’ association

Ewan Macdonald-Russell, the SRC’s head of policy said: “Removing restrictions such as physical distancing in shops and welcome changes on self-isolation rules should simplify store operations.

“However, many retailers are likely to maintain some existing measures to keep customers and colleagues safe.”

But he added that general retail remains under pressure, with sales and footfall figures down on 2019 and a vacancy rate of 16.1%.

He said that the relaxation is “a positive step forwards, but the retail industry remains a long way from recovery”.