Nicola Sturgeon coronavirus update LIVE as First Minister urges 'caution' over third wave in Europe

First Minister to give the go-ahead for a referendum, but Sturgeon said she believes UK Government discussions have moved on.

Join thousands of others and get the latest Scottish politics news sent straight to your inbox.Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh following his death at the age of 99.The First Minister said Prince Philip had "deep and longstanding ties to Scotland" and that a book of condolence will open to allow people to pay their respects.It comes as Boris Johnson addressed the nation outside number 10 Downing Street.He highlighted the steadfast support the duke, who died aged 99, had

former First Minister also hit out at an apparent absence of “will, determination and statecraft” over the last seven years - the period in which Sturgeon has led the country.Salmond launched a new pro-indy party, Alba, in the wake of his bitter fallout with Nicola Sturgeon.Alba’s aim is to secure a “super majority” of pro-independence MSPs and is only contesting the regional List elections for Holyrood.However, despite preaching pro-independence unity, Salmond has criticised his predecessor’s

Scotland. The First Minister made the announcement at her coronavirus briefing at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh earlier today.

Nicola Sturgeon enjoyed her first haircut of the year as lockdown restrictions in Scotland eased, allowing hairdressers and barbers to open. The First Minister got a fresh cut and colour at Julie McGuire’s hair salon in Edinburgh on Monday after months of closures on businesses to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Farage’s “seal of approval”. The First Minister also claimed Alba may be more likely to put off undecided No voters from backing independence.Sturgeon and Salmond have been at war over the Government’s unlawful sexual misconduct probe into him.

Alba Party, it could change the balance of power between Scotland and Westminster.Prime Minister Boris Johnson has consistently refused current First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s calls for a second Scottish independence referendum.But Salmond said that if a “super majority” of pro-independence MSPs are elected to Holyrood, a range of options would be available to those who want to take Scotland out of the UK.He suggested Scotland could organise its own referendum in those circumstances, with other

First Minister is “pretending” his comeback bid is about indyref2. He also stepped up his criticisms of Scots Tory leader Douglas Ross by saying he fronts a “game-playing, inward looking, childish opposition”.

First Minister said understudy John Swinney and parliamentary business chief Graeme Day were “mortified” over lockdown breaches on the campaign trail. When leafleting during the campaign, a maximum of four people from two households are allowed to meet outdoors.Dey, who is contesting the Angus South seat for the SNP, was pictured with at least eight supporters last week.

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. 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

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

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