Liz Smith MSP is seeking clarity from the Scottish Government about the re-opening of garden centres.
Following approaches from several garden centres in Mid Scotland and Fife, the Scottish Conservative politician is urging the Scottish Government to allow centres to re-open quickly and in line with their counterparts in England.
With the horticultural sector set to lose around £1 million a week in Scotland if they are not allowed to open their doors again before Easter, concerns are rising that Scottish garden centres could once again lose the time of their busiest trade.
Commenting, Liz Smith said: “We heard more about Scotland’s roadmap out of Covid this week. Safety over health is paramount but I hope that when it comes to outdoor activity where there is reduced risk, lockdown can be eased sooner rather than later.
“I know from visits to local garden centres last year, when restrictions were eased, that the centres have established a robust set of protocols approved by environment agencies.
“This time of the year is the start of the growing season, and garden centres usually see footfall quadruple from February to March.
“In addition, gardening is very important for people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“Many garden centres in Scotland have still been allowed to operate the ‘click and collect’ system but that is not the same as a full re-opening in order to stand a chance of making a living.”