Nicola Sturgeon announces expansion of £500 self-isolation support payment

schools will remain closed for a longer period due to concerns over a new strain of coronavirus.

First Minister also announced a strict travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the UK and the world.

coronavirus across Scotland.

Ladywell, Livingston, has backed our campaign after figures released this week showed Scotland has worst death rate in the world, a figure up six per cent on the previous year. Statistics showed the total deaths rose from 1,187 in 2018 to 1,264 in 2019.

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.A tot dressed up as Nicola Sturgeon is the star of a  hysterical Christmas play about Santa and lockdown that’s going down a storm.One of the wee ones at the Rainbow Nursery, in Paisley,  dresses up just like the First Minister.Three-year-old Ella boldly announces: “You’ve been telt!”Ella wears a single colour royal blue outfit normally used by the kids for dressing up as Mary Poppins.T’was the Night Before

German news channel Welt, the First Minister said she remained hopeful the UK Government would secure a Brexit deal before December 31.

coronavirus deaths recorded in Scotland in the last 24 hours, according to official figures Nicola Sturgeon also revealed at First Minister's Question s this lunchtime that there were 858 new cases of Covid-19 record overnight, taking the total figure to 109,296.

coronavirus deaths recorded in Scotland overnight. The First Minister also announced in her daily briefing 689 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the total figure to 108,438.The death toll now sits at 4,173.Some 1,031 patients are currently in hospital being treated for the deadly virus with 49 of those in intensive care.It comes as Boris Johnson is resisting changes to the UK’s Christmas visiting restrictions despite growing fears easing lockdown will lead to “many” deaths.

Michael Gove is joining day-two of crisis talks on the future of plans for up to three households to mix between December 23 and 27. The talks involve all devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.They broke up yesterday after the first summit ended without an agreement.

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.

coronavirus deaths recorded in Scotland overnight, official figures reveal.

coronavirus deaths have been recorded in Scotland over the last 24 hours. Nicola Sturgeon also announced that 1,001 new cases of COVID-19 were reported overnight, taking the total figure to 104,306.

Peter Murrell ’s evidence to the Holyrood probe. A special Parliament committee is examining how the SNP Government bungled the handling of sexual misconduct complaints against the former First Minister.

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coronavirus deaths have been recorded in Scotland over the last 24 hours. Nicola Sturgeon also announced that 897 new cases of COVID-19 were reported overnight, taking the total figure to 102,372.

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.