Simpsons Garden Centre in Inverness looks forward to re-opening if coronavirus restrictions are eased
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An Inverness business has made "significant" changes to its layout in preparation for re-opening as the coronavirus restrictions in Scotland are expected to be eased slightly later this week.
Simpsons Garden Centre has welcomed the announcement that garden centres are included in the first round of the four-phase route map aimed at restarting society while suppressing the virus.
The Scottish Government is hopeful of allowing the first phase – which will also include allowing people to meet outside with people from one other household, re-opening of recycling facilities, outdoor work such as agriculture and forestry and some other outdoor activities – from Thursday.
Simpsons director Andrew Simpson said it was a positive step forward and the team had been working to ensure the garden centre in Culloden Road was safe, secure and ready to welcome back customers.
Significant layout changes to ensure appropriate social distancing include limited spaces in the car park, a new one-way system in and out of the centre, restricting numbers to the shop at any one time and sanitising stations on entering and exiting the building.
"We are really pleased to be able to open the garden centre again soon to the local community," Mr Simpson said.
"By putting these new safety measures and changes in place across the store ensures everyone’s well-being and peace of mind whilst they are shopping.
"Customers will be able to follow our new one-way system through the main garden centre to our outside plant area which is well ventilated with wide aisles and plant displays which are easy to shop and select from.
"We’d like to thank everyone in advance for their support and understanding of our new measures."
At the start of lockdown, Simpsons set up an online shop offering local and surrounding area delivery and, latterly, a click and collection option.
The service will continue after the shop opens.
“Gardening is such an important activity for all ages, and the health and well-being benefits of getting outside are well documented," Mr Simpson said.
"At a time when everyone will be spending lots more time in their outdoor space, we want to be able to provide the tools to enable our customers to do this. We are hugely thankful to all our loyal customers for supporting us during this time”.
Business leaders in the Inverness area have welcomed news of the anticipated easing of lockdown, although many are keen for more detail.
The region's largest housebuilder, Tulloch Homes, has also called for the pace to be picked up as it is keen to help kickstart the local economy by meeting the need for new homes.
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