The latest figures indicate that the new variant is responsible for 50 per cent of the latest cases
The First Minister confirmed the move would take effect from midnight
Schools will close for January, people can only leave home for essential purposes and social gatherings are reduced to two people
But the Scottish Parliament refuses to give its assent amid calls for more scrutiny
Confirmation from Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected in the coming hours offering business 'hope'
But she underlines the support people showed one another in the pandemic is a high point of 2020
'Difficult' but 'the quicker you act, the more effective the intervention'
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross says 'these sacrifices will save lives'
Measures will come into effect from Boxing Day and will be reviewed after two weeks.
Second attempt 'will be made tomorrow' but may have to wait until January
Drew Hendry says he had to highlight the impact of the UK Internal Market Bill on the Highlands but others called his actions 'dangerous'
Dozens of councillors are unable to access the debate due to connection issues with provider Wipro
The cash will go to keep key operators afloat amid fears for the country's ability to stage large events
Conservatives slam the Scottish Government's 'dithering' over the issue
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says: 'It may well be the beginning of the end of this horrible experience'
There will be no changes to the level of Covid restrictions in place in the Highlands, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed
More than 80,000 meals went unpaid triggering plans to move to an online payment system
Emphasis will be on 'intervention' says chief
Regional MSP slams the practice as locals were forced to pay an extra £30.1 million amid widespread over-charging for deliveries
Nicola Sturgeon said there is now reason for 'cautious optimism' as new cases have stabilised
