Scotland covid update LIVE as Nicola Sturgeon confirms easing of lockdown

Scottish Tories of fuelling divisions in the country by focusing on the constitution.

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.

Murray said: “The First Minister promised that this election would be about covid recovery, and we will be holding her to that.

Sturgeon and Labour’s Drakeford for wholesale constitutional change in light of SNP and Labour successes in Scottish and Welsh parliament elections. The Prime Minister hailed the success of the UK in the covid vaccine roll-out and emphasised the economic challenges will be a “serious shared responsibility”.

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.

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

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

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.

First Minister was given a shot of the AstraZeneca medicine on Thursday afternoon just hours after unveiling the SNP's manifesto for next month's Holyrood election.The SNP leader was vaccinated at 4pm and shortly after encouraged other Scots to receive their jab as soon as they are offered it.She tweeted: "Just had my first dose of vaccine (AZ for anyone wondering)."It truly is an emotional moment.

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.

Weddings have pretty much been put on hold for the best part of a year in Scotland amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Professor Mark Woolhouse, an expert in infectious diseases at the University of Edinburgh, made the comments as travel restrictions across Scotland are set to end on Friday. Scots will also be able to meet up outdoors in groups of six from up to six different households.But there remains a widespread assumption among some people that meetings outdoors still pose a threat of spreading covid.

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."

indyref2 by the end of 2023 if the country is still “grappling” with covid.She also insisted she would not speak to Alex Salmond after the election and criticised his refusal to blame Russia for the Salisbury poisonings in 2018.Polling suggests the SNP is on course to win an outright majority at next month’s election.A key part of an SNP fourth term would be seeking a joint agreement with the UK Government on a second referendum.She has said she wants a fresh vote on Scotland’s constitutional