TESCO has introduced Scotland’s first relaxed supermarket checkout scheme with the support of a leading charity.

The supermarket’s Forres store, in Moray, is hosting the innovation which aims to provide at least two extra minutes for customers to chat to a cashier.

Although it is aimed at people with a medical condition or those who require to “take things a little easier”, it is open to all customers and will be staffed by staff who have been trained by Alzheimer Scotland.

Tesco community champion Kerry Speed, who developed the lane, said: “Whether a customer has a medical condition which requires them to take things a little easier, or they value an extra couple of minutes to chat to their checkout adviser, we want them to be confident they can shop at their own pace.”

It was launched after she held one of her regular dementia information sessions.

Ms Speed added: “It was highlighted to me that people living with dementia can feel under pressure when they reach the checkout, and it struck me that this could be true for others as well. Early feedback from customers has been very positive.

“Although it’s a simple gesture, we hope this will make a difference to our customers’ shopping experiences.”

Wendy Menzies, dementia adviser at Alzheimer Scotland, said: “As part of our ongoing Dementia Friendly Community work we engage with many businesses and workplace organisations both nationally and locally.”

It operates on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at the branch.