Following representations from SRC, the list of essential retailers will be expanded to include homeware stores as well as garden centres, meaning both can resume trading.

Ministers have reaffirmed that the curtailment of click & collect services undertaken by non-essential retailers will end on 5 April, albeit collections must be by appointment. However, curbs on food-to-go walk-in takeaway will not be rescinded for a further three weeks, even though the restrictions came into effect at the same time as those on click and collect in mid-January.

Garden centres and homeware stores were removed from the essential retailer list and compelled to close from Boxing Day. The curbs on food-to-go takeaway – affecting coffee shops, bakeries, and quick service restaurants amongst others - and click & collect came into effect on January 16.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Homeware stores and garden centres have been eagerly awaiting a firm date for re-opening, some 95 days after they were compelled to close, and this announcement provides that clarity. It is welcome that government has listened to our representations and expanded the list of essential retailers and is starting to unwind some of the elevated lockdown restrictions. Its good news for shoppers and the economy, providing a much needed cashflow and confidence fillip for the retailers concerned and their suppliers.

“The continued curbs on food-to-go takeaway is unfortunate. No specific evidence has been forthcoming from government for restricting customers from walking in and ordering takeaway at the counters of the likes of coffee shops, bakeries or quick service restaurants. These stores will have a further three week wait before they can resume welcoming customers for walk-in takeaway.

“The First Minister’s call for shoppers to be considerate and respectful of shop staff is helpful. Whilst retailers are working hard to maintain a safe shopping experience, shoppers themselves can play their part by adhering to the rules on face-coverings, social distancing, queuing, and hand-sanitising.”