Nicola Sturgeon to make statement on latest lockdown levels across Scotland today

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.

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.

festive break between December 23 and 27. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon agreed the basic UK-wide plan but urged caution and wants to keep gatherings to a minimum.

coronavirus death toll has hit 3,588, the Scottish Government confirmed earlier today. In the last 24 hours, there has been 44 new recorded deaths, and 880 fresh infections were recorded in the same time period.

pubs and restaurantsBut a week after sending the hint, the Scottish Government said public health advisers were concerned.It means only East Lothian drops to level 2 from 6am today.

the festive season indoors but said it would be for a "small number of days" involving a "small number of households". The SNP leader added that Scots should not feel they had to take advantage of an easing of restrictions - and should consider delaying any visits to friends or family until the spring.

coronavirus  death toll has hit 3,459, the  Scottish Government  confirmed today.

travel ban is being imposed tomorrow along with closures for non essential shops affecting nearly half the population. The measures attracted a major backlash from businesses who now fear disaster in the normally busy festive season.Sturgeon, at today's coronavirus briefing, said the rate of infection is showing signs of improvement but there are big regional variations.

Covid in Scotland has risen above 5,000. The First Minister made the grim announcement following the publication of the weekly report on coronavirus by the National Records of Scotland, which tallies all deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned on a death certificate.The SNP leader said there would come a time when a national commemoration to those who died during the pandemic would need to be considered.

Nicola Sturgeon today confirmed 11 councils including Glasgow will go from level three to level four at the end of the week.It means only essential shops can open, while new restrictions will be imposed on hospitality and leisure.The level four rules will be imposed in Glasgow city, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian.Sturgeon, at the Scottish Parliament, said she

level two rules on November 24.The change depends on continued progress, but it was seen as a positive sign while Glasgow and 10 other councils were ordered into the highest level four lockdown.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the plan at the Scottish Parliament as part of the government's weekly review of the five-tier system.She said: "I am pleased to report that East Lothian and Midlothian have both seen a marked decline in infection rates – prevalence in these areas is significantly

Nicola Sturgeon has already signposted the likely decision on moving to the highest level 4 alert ahead of an official statement at the Scottish Parliament this afternoon. Officials were checking the latest infection figures this morning in councils across the Glasgow and Greater Clyde region, Lanarkshire and potentially West Lothian.

Nicola Sturgeon has given her strongest indication yet that Glasgow and much of the west of Scotland will be moved into level four of lockdown this week.The First Minister said the rate of Covid infections in the west were stable but remained "stubbornly high".It means thousands of shops and other non-essential firms - such as hairdressers and all hospitality businesses  - could be forced to close from Friday for an undetermined length of time.The Scottish Government will carry out its weekly

Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to keep schools open in the west of Scotland even in council areas placed at level four.The First Minister today gave her strongest indication yet that several local authorities will this week be moved into the Government's highest level of lockdown - meaning thousands of non-essential businesses will be forced to close.But both primary and high schools will stay open to ensure youngsters can still attend class.It comes as the country's biggest teaching union, the EIS,

coronavirus vaccine could be available in Scotland, she hopes people will start receiving jabs before the end of 2020 or "certainly very early next year". Her comments at the Scottish Parliament came after drugs manufacturer Pfizer revealed earlier in the week that its Covid-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing the virus.

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed the central belt of Scotland will remain at level three of lockdown following a review of Covid infection rates across the country.The majority of local authorities - including Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee - will stay at the same tier they were placed in last month, meaning non-essential shops can stay open.But three council areas - Fife, Perth and Kinross, and Angus - will move up one tier from level two to level three following a rise in Covid infections.There

Nicola Sturgeon has said it is “highly unlikely” she will tomorrow announce a significant easing of covid restrictions for any part of the country.She said Scotland is in a “far better” position than it was, but noted there still needed to be a big decline in cases.However, she did not rule out tougher restrictions for some areas.The Scottish Government recently announced a five-tier system of restrictions for the country’s local authority areas.The first weekly review will be announced in