Barbers in lockdown deadline rush

Stornoway barbers worked flat out up to nearly midnight it is said on Friday night after islanders rushed for a haircut to beat a sudden lockdown deadline.

Some local shops and businesses only had an hour to prepare to shut down for an indefinite period.

Until now Argos's store in Stornoway was the firm’s only one in the country allowing customers inside. People could browse for January sale bargains in other island shops or enjoy a meal in cafes.

All that has stopped with level four restrictions imposed from Saturday morning aimed at stemming Covid-19 outbreaks across the Outer Hebrides which threatened to overwhelm local hospital services.

Very low virus case numbers gave the islands some relief from the tough curbs on mainland Scotland with relaxed level three rules allowing non-essential shops, hairdressers and beauty to operate.

Dramatic changes emerged just days ago when the new highly contagious UK strain of the virus was confirmed to have been imported onto the islands.

Coronavirus is spreading alarmingly fast in spots in each of the three main island groups - Barra, Uist and Benbecula, and Lewis and Harris.

"Proportionally, these are high numbers," given the islands' relatively small population explained health secretary Jeane Freeman.

She added: "The advice of our clinical advisers is that due to a rising trend of infections, lockdown is now necessary in the Western Isles."

Customers with overflowing locks scrambled to every barber shop in Stornoway when the news broke after 4pm on Friday afternoon.

The four-strong crew at The Barbers on Keith Street were exhausted after an unexpected 16 hour shift before they hung up their clippers when time ran out.

"So thankful we blessed to have been able to stay open in tier 3 for so long but we all feel it’s definitely right decision for our community," they commented.

Stornoway streets were notably quieter than usual on the first day of full lockdown and stay-at-home laws.

Constantly flowing traffic on Saturday gave the deceptive impression of a busy town centre - but drivers were just checking out what wasn’t happening, presumably on their way to or from an essential activity.

Cars parks lay empty while the line-up of vehicles in North Beach taxi rank and the dearth of shoppers indicated many islanders were heeding the remain at home rules.

Trade was "pretty quiet" at Cameron Chip Shop which now needs two staff to man the phones and doorway for their no-entry takeaway service.

Owner Colin Cameron will assess “how things work out this week before making any rash decisions."

Sarah Mackay of Decor8 says many customers were not aware of the detail of restrictions and still expected to walk in and browse around. Trade will be badly hit as customers want to see and feel wallpaper before purchasing.

At another decorating shop, the Colour Centre, a sign in the window highlighted they are starting a delivery service to help islanders "comply with non-essential travel restrictions." Collection of goods from the shop may be possible "but not encouraged."

Recently launched enterprise, No.9 Coffee Shop, shut up early a trial takeaway service deciding to "completely close until it is safe to re-open.

"This isn’t something we wanted to have to do but it is the safest option for everyone," they said.

The Crown Inn around the corner was forced to stop sit-in meals. A notice said the premises are "temporarily closed.. until we are satisfied we can safely provide a takeaway service in line with government guidelines."

Midnight shift for barbers in rush before lockdown cut-off

1 February 2021

Meal handover at Cameron’s Chip Shop

Hairdressers and beauty shops were told to close

Sarah Mackay of Decor8

Door collection only at Argos Stornoway

Empty car parks but lack of taxi customers

Empty streets