Nicola Sturgeon to make announcement as Scotland expected to move to Level 3

64 MSPs in the 129-seat parliament which is one short of a majority however with the eight Scottish Greens elected there is a majority of independence parties. Sturgeon said her priority following the election would be to focus on Scotland's recovery from the devastating coronavirus pandemic.

SNP would fall agonisingly short of an overall majority. Expert Sir John Curtice said a polling average put Nicola Sturgeon ’s party on 64 seats – one shy of outright victory.

Nicola Sturgeon has promised she will work with Anas Sarwar’s Labour to help rebuild Scotland in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Today programme the SNP leader said the Scottish Government would negotiate terms to "allow businesses to keep trading". Sturgeon said: "This is the frankness that certain sections of the media will seek to stir up trouble on - I am not denying that we would need to confront and resolve the issues of being in the European Union for the border between Scotland and England.

SNP leader used an interview with an Irish newspaper yesterday to explain there would be detailed work to minimise "any practical difficulties for businesses" that rely on cross-border trade.The UK Government and the EU spent years negotiating how to avoid a hard border between the Republic of Ireland, which remains in the Euro bloc, and Northern Ireland after the UK voted for Brexit in 2016.Sturgeon said the resulting deal offered an example of how an independent Scotland would handle a border

could create jobs in the south of the country. But the First Minister insisted: “Nobody in the SNP wants to see a border between Scotland and England”.

Join thousands of others in getting the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon vowed to secure the future of the Vale of Leven Hospital on a visit to Alexandria this morning.The SNP politician visited Dumbarton and the Vale earlier today on the campaign trail with local candidate Toni Giugliano, who is hoping to take the party’s first victory in Dumbarton since the creation of the current Scottish Parliament.Just 109 votes separated the SNP’s Gail

National Union of Students leaders' hustings last night where representatives from the main five parties discussed a range of issues. During the argument between Sturgeon and Ross, the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar jumped in to say they weren't setting a good example for young people across the country by shouting at each other.

Nicola Sturgeon has announced that lockdown will ease across Scotland next week as cases continue to fall.The First Minister said the country would move to Level Three lockdown on Monday, April 26. The SNP leader, at a Scottish Government covid briefig, gave detail of travel between Scotland, England and Wales and the reopening of gyms, non-essential shops and the hospitality sector.

First Minister announced the country will be placed under Level 3 as of Monday which means thousands of non-essential shops and businesses can finally reopen their doors after almost five months of closure.Hospitality businesses will also be able to welcome back customers - but with strict social distancing rules in place - as of April 26, with pub beer gardens able to start selling pints.And there's good news for couples planning to celebrate a wedding with more guests allowed at venues.Scots

Level Three on April 26. Under Level Three restrictions travel between Scotland, England and Wales will be permitted while pubs, restaurants and cafe will also be allowed to open for the first time in several months.

beer gardens, with opening hours determined by local licensing laws. The First Minister had previously flagged the April 26th date when she published the Government’s routemap for taking Scotland out of lockdown.

Nicola Sturgeon is set to give a live briefing later today to confirm the most important stage in the easing of lockdown restrictions. The First Minister will announce a list of changes due to begin next Monday 26 April.

Tuesday that travel restrictions would be lifted earlier than planned to allow people to see their family and friends who may live in different council areas. Among the other rules changes coming into force today six people from six households will be allowed to meet outdoors.

Parliament term, if she is re-elected.The First Minister revealed her plans for a second vote on Scotland's future during the SNP's manifesto launch earlier today.The SNP says it is seeking permission from the Scottish people to hold indyref2 following the devastating coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 10,000 Scots.

social media this morning to make the announcement that she will be heading for her first dose of the vaccine. It's going to be a busy day for Sturgeon as she's set to announce the SNP's Scottish Parliament election manifesto this morning at 11am.

First Minister made the update at a media briefing on lockdown in Edinburgh today.The SNP leader said restrictions on travel will end across Scotland from this Friday - meaning Scots can leave their council area and meet up with friends and family outdoors.Groups of up to six people from six different households will be able to meet in parks, gardens and for outdoor recreation from that day in a further easing of lockdown.The country will move from Level 4 of restrictions on April 26 to Level 3,

restrictions continue to ease across Scotland with pupils return to full-time education inside school buildings now in full swing. Secondary pupils in areas where the Easter holidays have ended have all now returned to their place of education - with more expected to get back into the classroom throughout the coming days.

today. The First Minister will be joined by Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith from St Andrew's House as they provide details on planned easing of restrictions across the country.

@scotgov and the people of Scotland - to Her Majesty The Queen and her family." The Palace said in a statement: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh."His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."Further announcements will made in due course."The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."