Good afternoon everyone, A slightly earlier newsletter today as we bring you a brief run-down of the updates made to Scotland's routemap out of lockdown. The Scottish Government has set out further dates on easing restrictions although it should be stressed that these are indicative and and depend on virus suppression. The key stages are... Phase 2 3 July - Self-catering accommodation and second homes can reopen; travel distance is relaxed 6 July - Outdoor hospitality including beer gardens can reopen subject to public health advice and physical distancing Phase 3 10 July - People can meet in extended groups outdoors with physical distancing; households can meet indoors with up to a maximum of two other households with physical distancing 13 July - Organised outdoor contact sports can resume for children and young people subject to guidance; all dental practices can start seeing registered patients for non-aerosol routine care; non-essential shops inside shopping centres can reopen (following guidance and with physical distancing); increasing capacity within community optometry practices for emergency and essential eye-care 15 July - All holiday accommodation permitted (following relevant guidance); indoor hospitality (subject to physical distancing rules and public health advice); hairdressers and barbers with enhanced hygiene measures; museums, galleries, cinemas, monuments, libraries with physical distancing and other measures; all childcare providers A message from the editorial director While I have your attention, I have an important request to make of you. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription. Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up. Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website. Joy Yates, Editorial Director |