First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirms that no part of Scotland including Strathspey and Badenoch will go down from current levels to level zero coronavirus restrictions from Monday with no change expected for the next three weeks – the move follows concern over a rise in cases of the new Delta variant of the virus

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has today confirmed a delay to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in the Highlands and the rest of Scotland.

Speaking at Holyrood she told fellow MSPs that the move to level zero – the lowest in the five-tier system – would not be as previously expected.

The change had been originally set for Monday however the delay has followed concerns over a rise in cases of the new and faster transmitting Delta variant of the coronavirus.

She said the pause would allow more people to be vaccinated giving them better protection against the virus. "The virus is still with us but the vaccine is protecting more of us," she said.

Ms Sturgeon said the next scheduled review date was July 19 and the progress with the vaccination programme was a "significant factor" on decisions relating to changes in restrictions.

She said: "We must not allow the virus to get too far ahead of the vaccines therefore, as indicated last week, we intend to maintain the current restrictions applicable in each part of Scotland for the next three weeks.

"Within those levels though we will make some minor but important changes to the rules on weddings and funerals which will take effect from Monday, June 28."

These changes related to the numbers that can attend and that suppliers of wedding services would not count towards the total and that live entertainment at receptions would then be possible.

She said that it was expected that the current regulations would remain in force until July 19.

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