PICTURES: Shoppers flock to Inverness city centre to bag a bargain and drinkers raise a glass in the area's beer gardens as coronavirus restrictions are eased and stores, bars and other outlets are back in business for the first time this year
1 / 53The Black Isle Bar reopens its doors to eager customers. Picture: James Mackenzie
2 / 53Craig Burnett, who was first through the door to The Black Isle Bar, with Kayla McNab in The Secret Garden. Picture: James Mackenzie
3 / 53James Kendall and Connor Gow who are bar staff at The Black Isle Bar. Picture: James Mackenzie
4 / 53James Kendall and Connor Gow who are bar staff at The Black Isle Bar. Picture: James Mackenzie
5 / 53From left, Alex Ferguson, Robert Taylor, Ian Mackay, Colin Henderson and Colin Mackenzie, who were the first people into Johnny Foxes. Picture: James Mackenzie
6 / 53From left, Sean Kelly, Madelaine Stone and Alice Cameron, who are bar staff at Johnny Foxes. Picture: James Mackenzie
7 / 53Fiona Davidson enjoys a pint at Johnny Foxes. Picture: James Mackenzie
8 / 53James and Odele Elder at Johnny Foxes. Picture: James Mackenzie
9 / 53Karen Felix and Christopher Scott at Johnny Foxes. Picture: James Mackenzie
53 / 53Johnny Foxes had its outdoor seating area set up. Picture: James Mackenzie
Inverness city centre is expected to get busier and busier after the easing of coronavirus-related lockdown restrictions today.
Business will pick up after wet weather failed to dampen the spirits of hardy shoppers who were keen to show their support to shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants across the city – many of which were open for the first time this year.
Hospitality businesses were preparing to welcome tourists while gyms, swimming pools, visitor attractions, public buildings and close-contact services such as beauty salons were all able to reopen.