Sturgeon urges Scots to enjoy relaxation of lockdown restrictions responsibly

The First Minister spoke at the Scottish Government’s coronavirus briefing as changes came into effect allowing people to meet friends and family.

Nicola Sturgeon has urged people in Scotland to be responsible as they enjoy the partial lifting of lockdown restrictions.

The First Minister said she is “not trying to cramp anyone’s fun this weekend” as changes allow people to meet family and friends outdoors.

But she warned the virus could surge again if safety precautions are not observed.

As of Friday, people in Scotland can meet one other household at a time outdoors – though they should continue to socially distance when meeting and the maximum number in the group should be eight.

People are also allowed to sit or sunbathe in nearby parks and travel locally for recreation.

Further changes as the country moves into phase one of the Scottish Government’s four-part plan for gradually lifting lockdown include outdoor sports such as tennis, golf, bowls and fishing being permitted, and garden centres reopening.

Sunbathers on the beach at Portobello took advantage of the lockdown easing (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Most outdoor work can resume, construction sites can prepare for work to start again and drive-through restaurants are no longer being discouraged from opening.

Speaking at the Scottish Government’s coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon reiterated her plea to ensure any meetings with other households adhere to social distancing guidelines.

The First Minister also wants people to ensure items such as cutlery and food are not shared and they do not enter homes that are not their own.

She also asked Scots to avoid crowds at parks and beauty spots across the country, urging them to go elsewhere if areas are busy and not to travel further than five miles from home.