EAST Lothian embraced some lockdown freedoms as phase one of the Scottish Government’s plan to ease restrictions took effect last Friday.

It was paradise for county golfers as they were able to return to the greens after two months of inactivity.

Some county bowling clubs also reopened, while beaches were busy during one of the hottest days of the year, despite East Lothian Council keeping coastal car parks closed.

The majority of East Lothian’s 20-plus bowls clubs have reopened.

The clubs still closed – including East Linton, Tranent, Elphinstone, North Berwick and Prestongrange – have indicated they are looking to open when the Scottish Government moves into phase two of its plan. The decision will be made by the committee at each club.

Cockenzie & Port Seton Bowling Club’s green was one of those to re-open, with bowlers returning on Monday evening.

Kevin Cunningham, club president, said: “The guys have been missing the banter so it’s great to be back on the green. Hopefully we’ll be playing competitively soon.”

Golf clubs across the county had an early start last Friday as they welcomed members back for the first time since they closed in March, with hardly a free tee-time to be had all weekend.

Drew Ramsay, president at Haddington Golf Club, said: “We’ve been extremely busy and had a lot of members booking but it’s going really well, we’re really pleased.

“We are open 7am-6pm and have been full every day since we reopened.

“We also allow members to bring a guest and have had a number of them as well as visitors. We thought it was important that we allow other people to come as well.

“It’s been incredible and we have actually increased our number of members by 15 or 16 since Friday.”

Tennis courts also reopened last Friday, with clubs in Dunbar, Gullane, Haddington, Longniddry, North Berwick, Musselburgh and Tranent again available.

Some are only open to members while others are public pay and play. Again, check the rules of your local club before booking.

As part of phase one of the Scottish Government’s plan to ease lockdown, garden centres were also given permission to reopen.

Merryhatton Garden Centre, near East Fortune; Dunbar Garden Centre; and Strawberry Corner Garden Centre, by Wallyford, all re-opened last Friday.

In a bid to maintain social distancing, Merryhatton put ‘markers’ on the shop floor to direct the flow of customers throughout the store, with the cafe remaining closed.

Disposable gloves and hand sanitiser were available and there was a queueing system to limit the number of customers at Merryhatton at any one time. Payment by card was also recommended.

Helen MacDonald of Merryhatton Garden Centre admitted she had been a little nervous ahead of the reopening but said it had gone well so far.

Strawberry Corner Garden Centre has similar restrictions in place with a designated entrance and exit; a one-way system; and a limited number of cars allowed to enter the builders’ yard. It has also reduced its opening hours to 10am-3pm.

Dunbar Garden Centre reopened to its normal hours of 9am-6pm. Its restaurant remains closed but is operating a takeaway menu including treat and afternoon tea boxes.

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “The Scottish Government’s advice about the easing of lockdown and stages within the recovery phase meant that some outdoor activity restrictions were eased and in common with many other councils and public land managers, East Lothian Council took the decision to continue with the temporary closure of coastal and countryside car parks.

“This is to reduce the risk that places such as beaches or popular beauty spots become crowded making physical distancing harder to maintain.

“The good weather over the past weekend encouraged many people from outwith the county into our popular coastal towns and villages which caused some concern with irresponsible parking. Parking attendants and Police Scotland were on duty over the weekend to advise and issue tickets as appropriate.

“The easing of restrictions also allowed golf courses to reopen with new guidance for players about social distancing and hygiene practices.

“Many of the clubs have reported positive comments from members able to enjoy their sport again. Other non-contact sports including bowls and tennis have also restarted in line with advice from their relevant sport governing bodies.

“The four local amenity sites across East Lothian opened on June 1 and local residents have been able to take along excess garden or household waste.”