Signs for cautious optimism as tourism and hospitality sector prepares to reopen, says Scottish property adviser; Fresh guidance on two-metre rule eagerly awaited to make sector 'viable'

A RISE in enquiries for rural, coastal and lifestyle businesses is being seen as a sign of encouragement by a specialist property adviser in Scotland.

Brian Sheldon, regional director (Scotland) of Christie & Co said: "The news that Scottish-based hospitality and cinemas will be reopening soon has brought much cheer among businesses, as they can now really focus on their re-opening plans."

He made his remarks as it was announced that Scotland’s hospitality sector and cinemas can re-open on July 15, with appropriate safety measures in place.

"Unfortunately, re-opening, for many businesses, will be unviable until the two-metre rule is reduced in line with England, but we look forward to the review on this on July 2, when we hope that the sector will be granted the booster it needs to bounce back into action and continue to serve Scotland once again.

"As we enter July, the main holiday season in Scotland, this news unlocks major components of our tourism sector and offers Scots, and the rest of the UK at large, the opportunity to plan summer experiences closer to home which will, in turn, provide a welcome boost to our local economies."

He added: "The sector doesn’t have an easy few months ahead, that’s for sure, but it will be interesting to see how the next phase plays out and how the markets respond to the recent news. At Christie & Co, we are already witnessing an uptick in enquiries for rural, coastal and lifestyle businesses so have every hope that now is the start of an upward climb."

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