Shopping centres in the north and north-east are preparing to reopen in less than a fortnight.
Union Square and the Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen will invite shoppers in again on Monday, July 13, in line with the latest guidance from the Scottish Government.
During lockdown, only the centres’ essential stores have remained open, so that the local community could purchase key items.
Most shops next to the car park at Union Square opened on Monday, as businesses with an outdoor entrance were given the green light to reopen.
Both malls are introducing a number of measures to protect the public, including regular deep cleaning, monitoring of footfall and one-way systems.
Fixed hand sanitisers have been installed, and customers are being encouraged to use contactless payment when purchasing items.
Union Square general manager Ryan Manson said: “It has been a really challenging time for everyone, and we are hugely grateful to the key workers that have done so much over the past few months.
“At Union Square, we’re working really hard to make sure we can safely reopen the centre on July 13.
“We ask that people be patient with us though, as the way we shop is going to be different for a while, and visits might take longer than usual.
“We can’t wait to reopen, and to welcome back our customers.”
Bon Accord Centre manager Craig Stevenson added: “We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the centre.
“The safety of our community is our priority and we have taken several steps to ensure that customers and staff are kept as safe as possible.
“We would like to extend our thanks to all visitors and centre staff for doing their bit to help keep our community safe.”
At the St Giles Centre in Elgin, Superdrug, WH Smith and Ramsdens opened on Monday as they have High Street entrances.
Other businesses in the centre are able to open on July 13 with the further easing of restrictions.
And the Eastgate Centre in Inverness is also looking forward to getting back to business.
Centre manager Jackie Cuddy said: “Following the updated route map for Scotland announced last week, we look forward to opening in full and welcoming shoppers back from July 13.
“The shopping centre has put comprehensive social distancing measures in place and has been undertaking deep cleans and sanitisation procedures to ensure it is safe for visitors.”
