PUBS, cafes and restaurants have finally been able to reopen their doors for the first time this year.

From today (Monday), Scotland entered Level 3 coronavirus restrictions, which meant that hospitality venues were able to reopen and start serving food and drink once more.

It might have been a cloudy and windy day but that did not stop customers from enjoying their first meal or pint of the year.

The current rules state that hospitality venues can reopen both their indoor and outdoor spaces.

The rules indoors state that food can be served with non-alcoholic drinks until 8pm. People can gather in groups of six people from two households.

Outdoors, food and alcohol can be consumed by six people from up to six households. Alcohol does not have to be consumed with a meal.

Many venues had also completed additional work on their beer gardens in preparation for today, with new outdoor seating and heaters among the latest additional features. Some even installed tents and marquees.

The Ravelston House Hotel in Musselburgh, Seaglass Inn in Port Seton, Old Clubhouse in Gullane, Nether Abbey in North Berwick, No.12 Hotel and Bistro in North Berwick, and Waterside Bistro in Haddington were all among those to open as the Courier paid them a visit today - visit the Courier's Facebook page for a video our reporter Emma recorded while at No. 12.

All are relieved and shared their delight at finally being able to open their doors and pour that much-awaited first pint.

But it was not just being able to open – many were also happy to see their colleagues and regular customers once more.

Some said that trading was the same as a typical Monday, while others noticed that it was a bit more quiet than usual.

Christine O’Brien, owner of The Seaglass Inn, said that she had four tables that did not show up because of the weather, something she said was “really sad”.

However, James Findlay, owner of The Waterside Bistro in Haddington, said he felt "very grateful" to be able to reopen once more and for his customers' continued support, a view echoed by hospitality venues not only across East Lothian but the whole of Scotland.