Pubs and restaurants threw open their doors to regulars for the first time in almost four months

Customers could enjoy a pint or glass of wine in their local after weeks of isolation.

Businesses welcomed the easing of lockdown restrictions and say there are looking forward to seeing some familiar faces.

Laurie McGilp, general manager of the Cafe Continental in Gourock, said: "We're excited after 16 weeks of not being able to do something we do every day and we do well.

"We're looking forward to getting the regulars back, getting into a routine.

"Normally we are only closed two days a year, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

"I feel there is a community support, a lot of people are keen to support local businesses."

The Cafe has implemented measures to keep everyone safe, adhering to the Track and Trace system, one metre social distancing, a traffic light system for toilets and reservations will be for a maximum party of six with two hour time slots.

Six tables have also been removed from the restaurant to allow for social distancing and create more space.

Meanwhile The Black Cat in Greenock town centre was also happy to be back in business after lockdown.

Greenock man Keith Brooks, a former councillor, was among the first punters to pop in, pictured, at the Laird Street bar.

Raymond Griffiths, who owns the pub said: "I would like to say to our customers 'welcome back'.

"Have a drink but be sensible and remember the new environment you are in.

"We want people to enjoy a drink as long as they observe the rules and regulations.

"We only have a capacity for 18 just now, so it shouldn't be too difficult."

Raymond says the lockdown has cost the business dearly.

He said: "It's been a nightmare, it's cost us £20,000 easy.

"We were hoping to hold off until all restrictions were lifted.

"We've managed to bring a bit back through the government's furlough scheme but if we hadn't had a healthy bank balance we would have been finished.

"We have been lucky with our landlord Rosemount Taverns, they have been brilliant and we didn't have to pay rent until we opened again."

The pub has hand sanitiser located throughout and one metre social distancing is in place.

Areas have been marked where people can sit, as no standing is allowed.

Raymond added: "Staff are all wearing masks, their health and that of our customers comes first."