HELENSBURGH'S pubs were given the green light to reopen from Wednesday onwards – and unsurprisingly the prospect has been greeted with delight by staff and customers alike.

While pubs, cafes and restaurants have had permission to operate outdoor eating and drinking areas since last week, Wednesday, July 15 was the first opportunity for the country's hospitality sector to open up indoor areas to customers.

Strict measures to limit the spread of coronavirus are in place, with social distancing at all establishments – with the two-metre distance rule reduced to one as long as appropriate hygiene facilities are provided.

Euan and June Catterson at The Ashton, on West Princes Street, announced on Facebook that the pub would be open from today (Thursday) from 1-10pm, with weekend opening from 1pm until midnight or 1am.

They said: "Social distance will obviously be operational. We now have a outside area that you can take your drink and have a seat if you wish up till 9pm."

READ MORE: How Helensburgh's pubs, restaurants and cafes are getting ready to reopen indoors after lockdown

"It is all new to us but we will get there. Looking forward to seeing everyone."

Gibson Beattie replied: "Well done Ewan, you deserve all the luck in the world, I am sure your work will be appreciated."

Susan Ross added: "That’s great. So good to see everyone opening up to the new ‘normal’."

Elsewhere, The Station Bar on East Princes Street opened up on Wednesday, also advising that "for the time being your experience in your local will be a bit different than you are used to".

Customers are being asked to phone ahead to reserve a table at weeknights and weekends, with a maximum of six people per table and a likely limit of three hours per stay, along with new safety measures which will be explained on arrival.

READ MORE: Helensburgh businesses offered 'fast track' to use of public outdoor space in bid to kick-start economy

On the pub's Facebook page Trish Maguire said: "Hope the new way of doing business works out for you and all your lovely customers."

Annette Hunter added: "Can’t wait to see you all again."

The Commodore Inn on West Clyde Street is also opening on Thursday, with slightly different opening hours and customers being asked to book ahead to guarantee a table, whether for a meal or just for drinks.

On the Commodore's Facebook page Jim Clark said: "Brilliant. So glad you are opening again!"

And Dorothy Anne Reid added: "Will be glad to see you all."

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Staff at the Ardencaple Hotel opened their doors on Wednesday, with measures including a one-way system and registering of all customers' details for the NHS 'Test and Protect' track and trace scheme.

Other rules include a maximum of six people per table, a maximum of one hour and 45 minutes per table, and a limited menu – and on the pub's Facebook page, Laurie-Anne McKinnon admitted she was "buzzing" at the prospect.

However, not all the town's pubs are opening just yet: a post on the Facebook page of the Clyde Bar on West Clyde Street says that the pub would not open on July 15, "but hopefully soon after".

The post added: "Please bear with us, we hope to open our doors and see your faces (at a safe distance) soon."

The opening day excitement isn't limited to Helensburgh: The Creggans in Kilcreggan opened up to indoor customers on Wednesday, with automatic hand sanitisers and 'track and trace' measures among a range of safety precautions.

READ MORE: 'Goodbye for now, people': heartbreaking messages as lockdown forces Helensburgh businesses to close doors

Owner Derek Fowlis said on the pub's Facebook page: "Elaine and I would personally like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last 16 weeks.

"We hope to see you all enjoying the hospitality of the pub once again."

Lillian O'Brien-Barden commented in response: "All the best to all of you! You've done an amazing job over this crazy period.

"Your community must be very proud of all you've done to keep everyone's spirits up. Thank you all."

And Beryl Edwards added: "So glad to see you are open. I hope all goes well for you – you have been supporting the community this last nigh on four months and it has been really appreciated."

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