On Tuesday 8 December, Nicola Sturgeon announced that all 11 council areas which have been under Level 4 restrictions will move into Level 3, which was welcome news.
The change will happen tomorrow, Friday 11 December at 6pm, with retail premises permitted to open from 6am on that day to help stores manage the flow of customers when reopening.
Thistles Shopping Centre will be open from 8am until 8pm until 23rd but check individual retailers as their opening times may vary.
We welcome all returning businesses back!
What Does Tier 3 Mean Again?
You can find the official information about COVID protection level 3 on scot.gov.
However, here are the key points:
- Ban on home visiting. Maximum of six people from two households can meet outdoors and in public places including restaurants and pubs.
- Pubs, bars and restaurants can open, but restrictions on hours apply (6pm closure and last entry at 5pm). No alcohol can be served.
- Hotels, B&Bs, self-catering properties, caravan and camp sites can open, but rules on socialising must be followed.
- No non-essential travel to or from level 3 or higher areas in Scotland and their equivalents in the rest of the UK. Exemptions for essential travel for work, education, shopping, health, outdoor exercise, weddings and funerals.
- Shops and public buildings can open, as can close-contact services such as hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians.
- Workplaces can open, but working from home remains the default and people should only go to offices if essential.
- Events are not permitted, indoors or outdoors, except drive-in events.
- Weddings, civil partnerships and funerals can take place, with a 20 person limit. Places of worship have a limit of 50.
- All sport and exercise is allowed except adult contact sports indoors. Driving lessons are allowed, visitor attractions can open.
During the Christmas period (23 to 27 December) different rules may apply if you form a Christmas bubble.
Police Presence
We would like to highlight that police will be present on Port Street thanks to Operation Steadfast, which is a joint initiative to provide a visible and reassuring police presence within the City Centre during busy periods with the objective to improve public safety in Stirling city centre.
What Will Go Forth Do?
- We will be encouraging people to support local businesses but to behave responsibly, follow the rules, avoid crowded places, be kind and patient.
- We will update our directory of businesses that are open and specify their offering. You can view the current one here.
- Christmas Campaign: We have set up a page featuring gift ideas from traders. We will carry on promoting Stirling businesses via this campaign. We will also document and give shout outs to businesses with decorated Christmas windows.
- New ‘We’re Open’ Posters: you can download your poster to display in your window and highlight which services your business offers.
- Photographs of life back in Stirling Businesses.
How Can You Help Us Help You?
- Let us know any changes to your opening times and your services available so we can keep our directory up to date.
- Share photographs of Christmas gifts that you have on offer with us.
- Tag us on your social media.
- Contact us should you have any queries or concerns in the coming days.
Planting
It might be strange sharing this update with you in December, but we wanted to make sure you are aware.
Go Forth currently maintains seven planters. Three of them are located on Murray Place and four on Station Road. The plants in them have been carefully selected to provide an attractive year-round display and to attract pollinators.
We also took over two planters on top of King Street, which are maintained by surrounding businesses and Stirling residents.
If you see anyone mistreating them, please let them know, they belong to all Stirling businesses and ask them to stop.
STREET STORIES
Currenlty, we are looking for Stirling artists to get involved to have their artworks printed on vinyls and featured on eight empty shop windows in Stirling city centre.
If you know any artists who would be interested in submitting their application, please share this information with them.
You can find more information about the project here.
FREE ONLINE TRAINING
Don’t forget that our online training platform gives yout the opportunity for flexible, cost-free training.
There are more than 20 courses available. You might want to try some of our courses during the temporary closures or while some of your staff remain furloughed.
E-COMMERCE GRANT
Applications are still being accepted for our e-commerce grant.
Remember, the grant can be used for any digital improvements that would help you increase your business’ visbility and increase sales.
You can see the newsletter sent to businesses on 10/12/2020 here.