ACROSS Scotland cafes, beer gardens, non-essential shops and museums are re-opening today as coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease.

Early-morning queues formed outside shops on Edinburgh’s Princes Street of shoppers keen to snap up a bargain in person.

In the most significant loosening of restrictions so far this year, the whole of mainland Scotland and some islands have moved from Level 4 to Level 3 of the Scottish Government's five tiers of restrictions.

They join areas like Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles in Level 3 as Scotland looks to move out of lockdown.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced last week that the continued suppression of coronavirus and the success of the vaccine rollout meant some restrictions could be lifted today.

Earlier today Sturgeon tweeted: "Best wishes to businesses opening up today. Recent months have been tough, but your sacrifices have helped save lives - thank you. To those heading to shops/cafes/pubs today - enjoy! But please take care and respect staff asking you to take precautions for your own safety."

Moving to Level 3 means gyms, swimming pools, libraries and museums can re-open along with cafes, restaurants and beer gardens.

Hospitality will need to close at 8pm indoors, with alcohol only allowed to be served outside.

People will be able to meet others for a meal or drink, with up to six people from two households allowed to socialise indoors in a public place such as a cafe or restaurant.

Other changes include the resumption of driving lessons and tests while close contact services, such as beauty parlours, can also return.

Funerals and weddings – including post-funeral events and receptions – will be allowed to take place with up to 50 people and alcohol permitted.

Travel between Scotland, England and Wales will be permitted and tourist accommodation can welcome back visitors.

READ MORE: Here's what you can and cannot do from today as Scotland moves to Level 3 lockdown

VisitScotland has urged people to "rally round" the country's tourism sector as travel restrictions are eased.

The national tourism organisation's chief executive, Malcolm Roughead, said: “It is clear that tourism has been one of the greatest economic casualties of the pandemic.

“We’ve had a year of very little investment, job losses and business closures – it will take time and significant investment to get us back to a thriving industry.

“With the right support, tourism and events can lead the economic recovery and boost inward investment where it’s needed most, but to do that the industry needs the support of people living in Scotland in the first instance.

“Many businesses are re-opening after months of no trade, and with staycations set to be popular again this year, there is a real opportunity for us all to rally round and show our support for local tourism."

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) urged people to support the retail sector.

David Lonsdale, SRC director, said: “We encourage Scots to get out and visit their favourite shops over the coming weeks knowing every purchase they make and every item they buy is a local job supported and a high street helped.

“Unlocking consumer spending will be central to Scotland’s economic recovery and to bouncing back quickly.”

A new campaign to help the public find their nearest gallery and champion Scotland’s contemporary art and studio facilities has also been launched.

The #ArtUnlocks campaign, organised by the Scottish Contemporary Art Network (Scan), will highlight the cultural opportunities in neighbourhoods across Scotland.