Buzz on Elgin streets as shops, cafés and pubs reopen

THERE was a buzz around Elgin's streets today as friends and family said goodbye to lockdown by meeting up for a coffee, a look round the shops – or even an outdoor pint.

Staff at the city's shops, cafés and pubs were delighted to have face-to-face contact with customers again as businesses reopened their doors. And although masks must still be worn, the smiles were there.

Despite the rainy start to the day, people were out to support local traders, with queues even building up for ATM machines.

Elgin BID manager Gemma Cruickshank was delighted to see brisk business. She said: "People have been out for their coffee and scones and they are supporting local, definitely."

Vic Flett, owner of South Street music shop Sound & Vision, was looking forward to a chat and a joke with customers again.

He said: "Following the last lockdown people were coming in with two or three instruments at a time after waiting for us to reopen to get repairs done, so the queue has started to build.

"We've been working online right through but it's not the same as having people in to speak to. It's good to have people in to have a chat and a laugh with."

It was a bustling restart for Marius Puscas, owner of Planta café on Batchen Street.

Marius said: "Batchen Street is looking fantastic and we've been absolutely out the door.

"The last four months have been hard on everyone."

Away from the High Street, Julie Turner, general manager at Pinz Bowling on Moycroft Road, said: "I woke up this morning and saw the weather and thought 'oh no' – but it hasn't stopped people coming out and enjoying a pint in the beer garden."

Pinz beer garden customers Emma Rogan and Jade Hambly were planning to have a cocktail or two along with lunch. Jade said: "We've not been out in about five months. We were a bit nervous but now that we're actually here it feels good.

"We've been hyping this up all week."

Read the full story in this week's Northern Scot.

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