SOME Borders pubs opened for the first time in a month at the weekend.

The region moved into Level 1 of the Scottish Government’s lockdown restrictions on Friday, meaning hospitality businesses could once again serve alcohol indoors with or without a main meal.

“It was a major boost getting back to work,” said Scott Paterson, the owner of the Ladhope Inn on High Buckholmside, Galashiels.

When the local lockdown system came into force on November 2, pubs in Level 2 which did not serve food were advised to close.

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Back then, Mr Paterson, 52, told the Border Telegraph that he was “peeved” by the decision.

And this week, he said: “I still feel it was unjust to close us for all those weeks.

“But we’re going to make the most of the positive situation we find ourselves in now.”

Over the weekend (December 12 and 13), Mr Paterson was “consistently busy”.

“We had to turn some of our locals away,” he said. “This is why we’re considering a booking system for the next few weeks.

“We want to give those that support the pub throughout the year a chance to come in.”

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Mr Paterson also owns the Auld Mill Inn in Galashiels and the Dryburgh Arms in Newtown St Boswells – both of which he hopes will reopen next week.

Speaking before First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave her weekly tier review, Mr Paterson said he would be “utterly disgusted” if the region were moved back into a higher level.

“I hope we don’t turn around and change,” he said.

“It will be a travesty if we have to shut down again.

“I’m hopeful there’s light at the end of the tunnel with this vaccine.

“It will take a few months but we’re hopeful.”