Nicola Sturgeon says Scotland is 'on the cusp of history' with independence in sight

Get the stories that interest you straight to your inbox every day with our personalised newsletterA further 30 people in Scotland have died after contracting coronavirus.The death toll was revealed this afternoon as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged caution over the relaxation of restrictions at Christmas.She is urging Scots to limit their Christmas bubbles to two households despite previously published rules stating that up to three would be possible.She said: "The safest way to spend

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.

Prime Minister was thrown by the question and left chief medical officer Chris Whitty to answer a technical point while he came up with an answer. After some consideration Johnson srcambled for the possibility of a Brexit deal on fishing that would give Scottish boats a bigger share of quota in the New Year.

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.

Despite their good intentions, the Cambridges were heavily criticised for travelling to the country unnecessarily amid Scotland’s COVID-19 restrictions.

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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.

Nicola Sturgeon.The leader of the country’s top teachers’ trade union also called the payment a “political ploy”.Sturgeon this week unveiled plans for a £500 payment for all full-time health and social care workers in recognition of their “extraordinary” service during coronavirus.With tax liable on the one-off Scottish Government payment, she also urged Boris Johnson to allow these workers to receive the full amount.However, a call has been made to recognise other staff who have contributed to

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.

Covid pandemic.Questioning the vaccine plans, she tweeted that a coronavirus conspiracy theory was “speaking the truth” and claimed nature is “the best medicine”.The views of Matthews, 39, – who is the public face of the SNP’s virtual conference and may introduce First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today – are at odds with the messaging of the SNP ­Government, which has welcomed the positive news on vaccines.Immunising people is a vital tool in defeating Covid and a million Scots could get the jab by

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

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.