Nicola Sturgeon admits Christmas backlash as Scots split on lockdown easing

decision not to ease restrictions was unpopular but warned: "It would be like pouring petrol on smouldering embers." Sturgeon defended the decisions as public health officials and politicians prepare to set Scotland's 32 council area tiers for another week. The First Minister will announce what levels are being imposed during a statement at Holyrood on Tuesday afternoon.Last week's review saw Glasgow and 10 neighbouring councils leave the highest level 4 curbs.

Covid-19 infection less than two weeks before rules are relaxed for Christmas get-togethers. London is on the verge of a tougher lockdown and other countries including Germany are tightening their rules.

East Kilbride schoolgirl hopes to draw a line under a ‘gloomy’ 2020 after winning Nicola Sturgeon’s festive card competition.Sophie Blackett was one of 700 children across Scotland to submit artwork for the First Minister’s official Christmas card this year.Nicola Sturgeon was on the hunt for a design that “represents kindness” for the 2020 card.The 10-year-old's design celebrated the hard graft Scots citizens have put in to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus across the country.Her

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will be given jabs at 23 sites across Scotland under the initial phase of a national programme which will eventually see millions of people protected against coronavirus. Among those who will be first in line for the vaccine is Andrew Mencnarowski, a senior staff nurse at the Western General in Edinburgh.

will be given jabs at 23 sites across Scotland under the initial phase of a national programme which will eventually see millions of people protected against coronavirus. Among those who will be first in line for the vaccine is Andrew Mencnarowski, a senior staff nurse at the Western General in Edinburgh.

Murdo Fraser claimed the First Minister had "pandered" to republicans in her own party. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Edinburgh Waverley station today as part of a whistle-stop tour of the UK, aimed at thanking frontline workers of the pandemic.

the crisis. She said the right to leaving the UK is "inalienable" and taunted Prime Minister Boris Johnson to try to block another pro-independence majority at Holyrood.

festive tradition is the latest in line to fall victim to strict public health rules which already banned Halloween guising and bonfire night gatherings. The Scottish Government has not finalised the rules but carol singing is being reviewed along with other traditions, including popular Santa's grottos for children.Nicola Sturgeon said work is under way shortly after a Boris Johnson spokesman said permission was granted in England.

referendum. Before the first speeches, Sturgeon said she has "never been so certain" Scotland will achieve independence.

First Minister spoke ahead of her party’s annual conference today by telling members she has “never been so certain” the country will achieve independence.Her party is riding high in opinion polls and is widely tipped to win a majority of MSPs at next year's Holyrood election.That could set off a constitutional showdown with Westminster as the SNP uses its mandate to demand an IndyRef2 takes place.While Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said he will not allow another referendum on

post-Brexit paperwork for fish products.

vote on the constitution. With the Nationalists currently soaring in the polls it means Boris Johnson could face huge pressure to allow an IndyRef2 to take place in the coming years - despite repeatedly saying he would not.

the relaxed plan, which the First Minister already admits has split public opinion. Sturgeon also repeated confirmation a risk assessment of the new rules has not been carried out.

Get the stories that interest you straight to your inbox every day with our personalised newsletterNicola Sturgeon says she hopes to agree a "common framework" for Christmas lockdown across the UK today.But the First Minister warned easing of restrictions in Scotland "might differ" to the rest of the country as key talks take place around the festive break.The First Minister is currently locked in a meeting with leaders from the devolved administrations and Cabinet Office Minister, Michael

the festive season indoors but said it would be for a "small number of days" involving a "small number of households". The SNP leader added that Scots should not feel they had to take advantage of an easing of restrictions - and should consider delaying any visits to friends or family until the spring.

First Minister spoke out in her daily briefing one day after an ambitions timetable raised hopes a million Scots could be vaccinated by January. Sturgeon was highlighting level 4 lockdown restrictions in Glasgow - where she lives - and 10 other neighbouring council areas today.

coronavirus  death toll has hit 3,459, the  Scottish Government  confirmed today.

travel ban is being imposed tomorrow along with closures for non essential shops affecting nearly half the population. The measures attracted a major backlash from businesses who now fear disaster in the normally busy festive season.Sturgeon, at today's coronavirus briefing, said the rate of infection is showing signs of improvement but there are big regional variations.