Covid-19: Scotland lifts most Covid restrictions

The majority of Scotland's Covid-19 restrictions brought in to tackle the Omicron coronavirus variant have now been eased.

From 24 January, large indoor events are able to resume, nightclubs can re-open and social distancing rules have been dropped as part of the changes.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said "Scotland had turned a corner" with new cases of coronavirus dropping significantly in the country.

However, people are still being asked to work from home and take lateral flow tests before meeting others.

Which rules have eased?

Nicola Sturgeon announced the plans to Members of the Scottish Parliament last week

Limits to the number of people who could attend public events came in on 26 December.

Large Hogmanay events, such as the famous celebrations in Edinburgh, had to be cancelled and the Scottish football Premiership brought its winter break forward.

Last week, coronavirus restrictions on large outdoor events in Scotland were lifted, allowing fans to return to stadiums to watch events, including rugby, concerts and football.

From 24 January nightclubs can re-open, indoor contact sports can resume with no restriction on the number of households that can meet in a venue.

The need for 1m social distancing and table service in restaurants will also be removed.

Despite restrictions easing people have been advised to keep social meet-ups small to reduce the risk of infection.

What rules remain in place?

All school staff as well as secondary school pupils aged 12 and over must wear masks indoors

Schools

Secondary school pupils aged 12 and over and teachers have to wear masks indoors.

All secondary school children are also being asked to take a lateral flow test twice a week.

Public spaces

Face coverings still need to be worn indoors in public places like shops and on public transport by anyone over the age of 12.

The First Minister said she hoped that wearing of facemasks would "eventually" come to an end.