Covid in Scotland: Large outdoor events take place in Scotland again

Celtic vs Hibs will be the first large outdoor event to take place after restrictions ease

Coronavirus restrictions on large outdoor events in Scotland are to be lifted from today.

It will allow fans to return to stadiums to watch events, including rugby, concerts and football.

A limit of 500 people at outdoor events has been in place since Boxing Day aimed at stopping the spread of the Omicron variant.

At the outdoor events organisers will have to check the vaccine certification of at least half of attendees.

The Celtic vs Hibs match in Glasgow tonight will be the first test of the new rules to welcome back fans. About 60,000 fans are expected at the game.

Nicola Sturgeon introduced these measures in December aimed at slowing the spread of Omicron

Restrictions on indoor sports, events and venues will stay in place.

People will also still be required to wear face coverings in indoor public places, to work from home when possible, and to only meet indoors in groups of up to three households.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will update Scottish Parliament on Tuesday and has said before she is hopeful that restrictions on indoor events can be lifted on 24 January.

Ms Sturgeon said there were now signs that the country was "starting to turn the corner" after a huge spike in Covid cases recently.

Pressure has been growing on the first minister to tell the public how Scotland can begin to "live safely" with Covid and further ease rules.