All shops in Scotland could reopen as early as next month after retailers win reprieve

All shops in Scotland could be allowed to reopen as soon as next month, after lockdown rules for retailers were relaxed.

It had initially been planned that only small shops would be permitted to reopen in the second phase of the Scottish government’s plan to ease lockdown, which will begin on June 18 at the earliest.

Larger retailers were warned they would have to wait until the second week of July at least, and potentially far longer if infection rates remain too high, to welcome customers.

However, in a concession to businesses, all stores will now be able to open at the same time, as long as their retail area is no larger than 800 square metres. Stores with a larger footprint will still be allowed to reopen as long as enough space is closed to customers to meet the limit.

Meanwhile, more details on how public transport will operate as more people return to work were also revealed by ministers.

Commuters will be told to wear face coverings while travelling on buses, trains and trams while capacity is likely to be between just 10 per cent and 25 per cent of usual levels to allow for social distancing.

The relaxation in rules for shops was welcomed by retailers, whose businesses have been devastated by lockdown.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “It is encouraging that ministers have listened to our representations and that they have moved swiftly to take a more rounded approach to those retailers who can re-open in the second phase. This should prove beneficial to the retailers concerned and customers.”

The change means large department stores will be able to reopen, potentially offering click and collect services so that customers can still purchase products in parts of stores that remain shut off.

Shoppers are likely to encounter an unfamiliar experience once shops reopen, with “one way” systems, limits on numbers in stores at any one time and physical barriers between tills to be put in place.

Separate entry and exit points will be set up where possible, similar to measures already in place in large supermarkets.

Employers that do reopen are being encouraged to stagger start and finish times for workers, in part to avoid congestion on public transport.

Michael Matheson, the transport secretary, said there is an "expectation" on everyone travelling on public transport - excluding ferries - to wear face coverings so long as they do not have a medical condition preventing it.

While it will not be a legal requirement, some operators could ask customers to mask their faces.

David Simpson, ScotRail’s operations director, said: "We are asking our customers to play a very important role in keeping everyone safe by following the Scottish Government advice to cover their face while travelling.”

Scottish schools are also set to reopen from August 11, with pupils returning on a “part-time” basis for an indefinite period.

John Swinney, the education secretary, published scientific advice which he said backed up his “cautious” approach.

The guidance said some studies had suggested a lower transmission rate for Covid-19 among children but that the evidence for this was "inconclusive". It said an earlier return of schooling could lead to a higher rate of infection in the country.

Mr Swinney said £9 million had been set aside to buy 25,000 laptops for pupils to help with "blended learning" as they to do more work from home. Recently-retired teachers could also be asked to return to work.

However, he was criticised for a lack of clarity over exams. This year’s exams have already been cancelled, with grades to be awarded with the help of teacher estimates, and Mr Swinney did not rule out canceling next year’s exams too.

Ross Greer, education spokesman for the Scottish Greens, said pupils should be assessed throughout the year to give teachers and pupils certainty over how they would be judged.

"The Scottish Government is planning for exams to take place in 2021, but has confirmed that they may be cancelled at any point between now and next May,” Mr Greer said. “This leaves pupils and teachers in limbo for months during an already incredibly difficult time.”