Nicola Sturgeon coronavirus update LIVE as Chris Whitty predicts covid 'surge'

Alex Salmond's return to politics The former SNP leader confirmed he will be standing for the Alba Party on the North East regional list section in May's Scottish Parliament election.Launching the new party in an online event on Friday, the former SNP leader said: "Today Alba are hoisting a flag in the wind, planting our Saltire on a hill.

Covid-19 pandemic. The Holyrood Government has announced plans to offer more than 154,000 NHS staff in Scotland a pay rise of at least four per cent.

Scottish Parliament election campaign. Scots will head to the poll on May 6 in what is expected to be a crucial election for the future of Sturgeon's independence dream.

NHS workers have been offered a 'substantial' pay rise after an 'exceptionally challenging year'.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced 'our NHS staff deserve more than applause and 1% is not enough' after putting a 4% raise on the table.If accepted by staff, would be the most generous National Health Service pay uplift anywhere in the UK.The pay rise will benefit 154,000 NHS employees including nurses, paramedics, allied health professionals, as well as domestic, healthcare support staff,

Nicola Sturgeon will face questions from fellow MSPs at First Minister's Questions this afternoon.It is expected to begin around 12.30 in the Scottish Parliament, and beforehand the First Minister will give the latest update on the current coronavirus statistics.It comes as the Western Isles will today move to level three of lockdown restrictions from 6pm.Announcing the change yesterday, Nicola Sturgeon said the Outer Hebrides would return to the level that currently applies to Orkney and

We will keep you updated on all the latest news on our blog below. Nicola Sturgeon has said she "cannot guarantee" a third wave currently hitting mainland Europe will head to Scotland.Yesterday the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it could "wash up on our shores".The First Minister said it was "not inevitable" the third wave would hit.The Western Isles will move from level four restrictions to level three from 6pm on Wednesday, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.The First Minister said the Outer

Scottish Parliament later today. The Scottish Tories said they will press ahead with a vote in First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after a Holyrood committee found she misled parliament.

We will keep you updated on all the latest news on our blog below. Student nurse Keren Nairns lost both her grandparents to Covid last year.Her gran Agnes Addison, from Bannockburn in Stirlingshire, died from the virus but the family believe her grandad Davy Wilson’s death is also partly attributable to Covid.Agnes, 69, died on March 29 last year while Davy, 61, passed away on October 7, while awaiting a hospital referral for an unrelated matter.Read the full story here.First Minister Nicola

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Covid-19 could hit Scotland despite the vaccine rollout, one scientist warns. Professor Andrew Hayward said a fourth wave across all of the UK is 'still likely' as some people are still not vaccinated.

First Minister 's resignation amid accusations she misled parliament about her involvement in the Alex Salmond investigation. It followed a leak that the inquiry into the Government's unlawful investigation into harassment complaints against the former first minister has reportedly concluded that Ms Sturgeon gave an "inaccurate" account of meetings with Mr Salmond.

shortage of 500,000 coronavirus vaccine doses over the next month.

First Minister is set to deliver the latest on the pandemic across Scotland from the Scottish Parliament later today.Over the last week fears have grown after a slight rise in the number of positive cases.It comes as concerns grow amid potential shortages of the Covid vaccine in the UK following a row with the European Union.Reduced vaccine supplies could slow the easing of lockdown restrictions, an expert has warned, after health officials said volumes for first doses will be "significantly

First Minister provided detailed dates of when the country can expect to begin opening back up.Nicola Sturgeon said a phased re-opening will begin next month with the Stay at Home message being dropped on April 2.On April 5, hairdressers, garden centres, click and collect services and some non-essential retail can open.On April 12, all children will return to classrooms full time.By April 26, all non-essential retail will open, tourist accommodation, gyms, and outdoor hospitality with a

coronavirus deaths and 625 new cases in last 24 hours The First Minister released the figures from St Andrews House in Nicola Sturgeon.

Nicola Sturgeon on March 2, the day before she appeared before the inquiry investigating the handling of harassment complaints against former first minister Alex Salmond.On BBC Scotland's Sunday Show, Andrea Bradley, the assistant secretary of the EIS teaching union, said the Scottish Government was looking for a "good news story that week".However, Ms Sturgeon had previously announced the earliest date for some pupils to return to school would be March 15.On Monday, Education Secretary John

school on February 22.Senior secondary school pupils required to attend for practical work for qualifications were able to return from the same date.Now, all high school students will be able head back to the classroom part-time, as part of a blended learning model meaning they will continue to do some learning at home until after the Easter break.Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the plans in a speech to MSPs on March 2 and has repeatedly stressed that having pupils return to school is her lockdown

school on February 22.Senior secondary school pupils required to attend for practical work for qualifications were able to return from the same date.Now, all high school students will be able head back to the classroom part-time, as part of a blended learning model meaning they will continue to do some learning at home until after the Easter break.Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the plans in a speech to MSPs on March 2 and has repeatedly stressed that having pupils return to school is her lockdown

Scottish Parliament  the continued fall in coronavirus cases is giving grounds for "cautious optimism". The  First Minster  told MSPs that primary children will return to school next week as planned along with more senior secondary pupils.

Scottish Government’s  £500 bonus to NHS workers like porters, catering staff and cleaners. The government announced in December that all  health  and social care staff would receive the bonus as a thank-you for their hard work during the pandemic.