The Highland capital is preparing to welcome people back at the end of the month

Partner agencies are preparing and looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Inverness once lockdown eases at the end of April.

As of Friday 2 April, people in Highland can travel within their own local authority area and businesses are keen to welcome people back as some non-essential retail starts to open up from 5 April.

Some businesses, essential retail and click and collect services on Monday (5 April) - non-essential retail outlets will be able to re-open, along with hairdressers and barbers.

Other non-essential retail and hospitality will not reopen until 26 April, but city businesses say they are preparing to welcome people back.

Inverness City Area Manager, David Haas, of Highland Council, said: “It’s important that we get the message out there that Inverness is a safe place to visit and we look forward to welcoming those who live within the Highland Council area over the Easter Weekend.

“Of course, people should still follow the Scottish Government’s guidelines on social distancing, face coverings and hand washing, but this weekend sees the return of the outdoor farmer’s market to Inverness High Street.

“Come the end of April we want to encourage people to have the confidence to visit the city.”

Michael Golding of Visit Inverness Loch Ness said: “The reopening of a number of business sectors provides a genuine sense of hope that we are on the path to recovery – as well as finally having the opportunity for that long overdue haircut.

“These businesses will act as a leading light, demonstrating the safe and responsible practices that enable us to continue on our recovery path. We must all act responsibly and follow the guidance from Scottish Government by staying local, supporting local and by doing so we can look forward to a brighter future.”

Mike Smith, Inverness BID Manager, said: “As part of the recovery efforts we are working closing with key stakeholders such as Highland Council, Visit Inverness Loch Ness and businesses, to deliver a portfolio of marketing activities that will support the recovery of businesses and continued employment of people who work within them.

“Surveys indicate there is a strong interest in the area from Scottish and UK visitors, we must communicate effectively with them and provide the confidence to visit for the recovery of our tourism, hospitality and retail sectors.”