Fife Council and local businesses have been working flat out to safely welcome back visitors to the region’s town centres.
Signage and markings to help queuing and physical distancing on footpaths and precincts are already up, with signs already up in the likes of Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Leven.
Businesses in the latter are among those which have returned in very different ways, as reduced capacity, queuing systems and the use of outdoor space all become a part of the “new normal”.
A sign of a return to something familiar came on Saturday, when Leven played host to a summer market, which proved hugely popular with visitors.
Father and daughter team Eddie and Julie Young, who have been running Motor Fits on Commercial Road for more than 22 years, have made changes to the shop as they welcome back customers.
New protective screens, hand sanitisers and physical distancing reminders are in place.
Eddie said: “We have also introduced a one in, one out, personal shopping experience approach for now, which customers seem to enjoy.
“Customers get our undivided attention and we can offer advice, giving our customers confidence to find exactly what car parts and accessories they need, hassle free.
“We are also at the end of the phone, so customers can call us and check our stock before their journey.”
Pamela Hamilton, who manages ladies clothing and accessories store Boutique No.1 on Durie Street has put in place protective screens, distance markers and a hand sanitising station to help address Covid-19.
“It’s amazing to see people back in store again and we are enjoying helping them find that special item, or even a complete new wardrobe, as a treat after weeks in lockdown,” she added.
“We’re also helping customers who want to support local by home shopping. By using our Facebook page, customers can message us and we will sent out items directly to them.”
Owners Jordan Malcolm and Steven Morris at Cupcake Coffee Box have also been welcoming back customers.
Jordan said: “We have closely followed the Scottish Government’s guidelines and have put in place all the measures recommended for cafés, with inside and outside eating areas.
“Things may look slightly different, for example, with screens in place but our quality food and drinks are still the same.
“The local community has been great in supporting local businesses and helping to secure jobs in the area by using our take-away or table service.”
Leven Environment Group has also been out in force, ensuring the 86 hanging baskets and 90 tubs in the town centre are flowering and offering a colourful welcome to everyone as they return.
Councillor Altany Craik, convener of Fife Council’s economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee, said he was delighted to see businesses safely re-opening across the region.
“Our businesses across Fife have done an amazing job to make sure they can open safely and so I encourage people to support them if they can.
“Increased footfall is now expected as visitors make their way back to our town centres and their favourite retailers, restaurants and cafes, following an ease in lockdown measures.
“It is important to note though shops are opening things are going to be different for quite a while, physical distancing, queuing outside and wearing face coverings is going to be the new normal for many months to come.”
