Nicola Sturgeon shares poignant message as she posts picture of hug taken on campaign trail

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.

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.Nursing staff have been left outraged over comments made by council leader Jonathan McColl branding fears over the future of two dementia wards “a nothing story”.Dedicated workers at the Fruin and Katrine wards say they are still concerned about the long-term future of the units despite assurances from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon they will be protected.The determined staff say they will continue to stand

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.

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.New coronavirus cases in Lanarkshire fell by almost 11 per cent last week.At her daily press briefing in Edinburgh today (Monday, December 14), First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed there had been 95 new cases in Lanarkshire on Sunday.As a result, last week there were 880 new Covid-19 cases in the region – a 10.9 per cent decrease on the previous week.Last week was the final week after the Scottish

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.

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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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.

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.

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.