Bus gates will be installed at either end of the no-car zone on Union Street to allow buses space to manoeuvre after they were banned between St Nicholas Street and Bridge Street to allow more space for physical distancing.

Councillor Sandra Macdonald said similar changes are being made by every council in Scotland.

She told The Press & Journal: “We cannot have it in place until we have the signs and equipment to do it.

“There has been huge demand for the same materials by all 32 Scottish councils, never mind the rest of the UK.

“Everyone is after the same signs, cones, bollards, barriers and kerbing – everything needed for a temporary road change.

“Officers are working incredibly hard to secure what we need in order to put it in place and keep the city centre going once phase two of lockdown easing is announced, which is expected on Thursday.”