Lockdown in Moray: 'A tale of two sides' for Threaplands
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One Moray business is among the many showing the need to adapt in order to survive through lockdown.
Threaplands Garden Centre and Landscaping Services near Lhanbryde is run by Ben Laing and the brothers Grant and Scott Higgins.
Ben said: "In the run-up to lockdown we were obviously very worried.
"We had no idea about how many customers we were going to be left with.
"As thing have turned out it's been very much a tale of two sides.
"The gardening side of our business has been doing very well.
"Even though it's not open to the public we're still actually 12% up on sales compared to the same period last year.
"On the other hand, though, the landscaping side had to just stop.
"Instead, we have the seven guys on the road making deliveries.
"Meanwhile our café has been producing things such as burgers, salads, pasta meals and sandwiches which people can order from home.
"We deliver in a 20-mile radius which takes in Forres, Cullen and Dufftown. That's free to anyone who spends more than £30, or £10 if they're aged over 65.
"Just recently we also began a socially-distanced takeaway service, where our staff bring out the food and leave it beside people's cars.
"Being in business means now, more than ever, that you have to be adaptable."
Ben, who is self-isolating because he had a kidney transplant several years ago, added: "I think being in business also means being socially responsible.
"We don't want to jump the gun in any way and put people at risk.
"We are preparing for the time when we can offer a click and collect service at the garden centre, but we are not doing it just yet.
"Likewise, when the garden centre does open again to the public it will be at nothing like full capacity.
"I think for the first time in a long time there is some real community spirit.
"Of course you've got a few exceptions – folk just doing what they feel like doing. But almost everybody is getting onboard and pulling together in the same direction."
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