Deaths among the oldest age group are falling, but is this "hard evidence" the vaccine is working?

There is now "hard evidence" that the vaccine programme is starting to reduce the number of deaths.

Audit Scotland say preparations for the pandemic could have been better but the NHS was not overwhelmed.

Pupils in P1 to P3 and pre-school children will go back from 22 February, it has been confirmed.

England succumb to an inevitable 317-run defeat by India on the fourth day of the second Test in Chennai.

The first minister says she is "very keen" to see a return to more normal schooling for some pupils.

Nicola Sturgeon says the latest milestone has been reached - but that progress will slow in the coming days.

Concerns have been raised about the virus spreading if Scotland-bound travellers in England use public transport.

The Scottish government says it has received 77,000 applications so far, but 173,000 children are believed eligible.

The chairman of the chain is calling for pubs to reopen at the same time as non-essential shops.

Wales edge out 14-man Scotland in a mesmeric thriller at Murrayfield to maintain their 100% start to their Six Nations campaign.

Students have not been able to get enough clinical experience because of Covid restrictions.

The country has received lower Pfizer vaccine stocks than expected due to a reduction in manufacturing capacity.

They are warning of price rises and potential shortages when new Brexit rules on imports start in April.

Everyone arriving on an overseas flight will have to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days at a cost of at least £1,750.

Scotland's transport secretary says he is pressing the UK government to close a potential loophole.

Parts of Scotland are affected by heavy snowfall as temperature hits 11-year low.

A survey suggests firms are hopeful of a solid economic recovery once Covid restrictions are lifted.

Scotland claim a first win at Twickenham since 1983 as fly-half Finn Russell orchestrates a shock Six Nations victory against England.

The cold snap will not be as extreme as in 2018, forecasters say, but will cause disruption this weekend.

Despite the most magnificent conditions in 11 years, the slopes remain closed because of lockdown.

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen examined factors across the 37 worst hit countries.

Multiple factors will determine when an easing of restrictions comes, from vaccine effectiveness to hospital admissions rates.

The government promises to push Brussels to change its transport rules on scallops, clams and mussels.

Figures suggest exports of single malt have fallen by a third since a 25% tariff was imposed in 2019.

Nicola Sturgeon says the NHS is "ahead of schedule" in rolling out vaccines to the over-80s by Friday's deadline.

The European Commission argues the drug-maker is failing to fulfil its promises on the Covid jab.

Nicola Sturgeon says the "vast majority" over-80s will have the first dose by the start of next week.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes says she wants to provide "stability and certainty" for people and businesses.

Boris Johnson says most people in Scotland are focused on defeating Covid rather than another referendum.

Nicola Sturgeon says she is concerned the UK's travel restrictions will not go far enough.

The boss of Scotland's Railways says "difficult decisions" have to be made to save taxpayer money.

The Scottish government wants to keep Scotland involved with the EU's education programme.

The number people looking for work decreased by about 1,000 between September and November.

A pilot programme for 24/7 vaccinations is among options being considered by the Scottish government.

Vaccination appointments for over-70s in Scotland will arrive on Monday as planned - but in white envelopes.

The UK's chief medical adviser warns that "a very small change and it could start taking off again".

Modelling suggests that lockdown has "stabilised" the spread of new cases in Scotland.

Estate agents call for tougher measures - as buyers race to beat the end of the stamp duty holiday.

The youngest and oldest pupils, plus those with additional support needs will be among the first to return to classrooms.

It comes as industry workers warn their livelihoods are at risk due to Brexit border problems.

Mainland Scotland and some islands to remain under toughest coronavirus rules until at least mid-February.

Some 10% of the UK population is showing signs of recent infection, a doubling since October, says ONS.

The first minister says her statement to MSPs will concern the duration of Scotland's restrictions.

India pull off an astonishing run-chase to inflict Australia's first defeat at the Gabba since 1988 and take one of the all-time great series.

Grants of £1,500 are being made available but those in receipt of benefits such as Universal Credit, are not eligible.

Boris Johnson promises £23m in compensation for exporters which have lost orders due to delays.

Soldiers from the Royal Army Medical Corps and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are involved in the effort.

Scotland's education secretary says it will be a challenge for schools to reopen as normal by 1st February.

Some areas could see freezing temperatures and 5-10cm of snow on Saturday, the Met Office says.

On Wednesday the PM said businesses hit by post-Brexit problems would receive support.

Scotland's health secretary says 400,000 jabs could be administered every week by the end of February.

Some restrictions have been tightened amid concerns the "stay at home" message has not had the same impact.

Restrictions around takeaway food and click-and-collect services in Scotland are to be toughened.

The increase is to further discourage shoppers from buying single-use plastic bags.

Scotland's first minister says the current restrictions are "very unlikely" to be lifted at the end of the month.

People refusing to wear face coverings who are not medically exempt will not be allowed to shop inside.

About 560,000 people will have been vaccinated by the beginning of next month, the health secretary says.

Teaching for the vast majority of students will be online only until at least the end of February.

Research indicates that footfall fell last month by more than 50% as lockdown restrictions took hold.

GPs in England receive doses of the Oxford Covid jab as medics warn of "stretched" wards.

The drugs, which save an extra life for every 12 intensive care patients treated, can be used immediately, say experts.

There will be a "gradual unwrapping" of England's lockdown, Boris Johnson tells MPs ahead of a vote later.

The BMA in Scotland says it is concerned about the potential impact of delaying the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Strict new Covid-19 restrictions come into force in Scotland, prohibiting people from leaving their homes.

Mainland Scotland faces tougher restrictions from midnight, and schools will remain closed until February.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine programme is being rolled out less than a week after it became the second approved in the UK.

Boris Johnson says more areas may need tougher rules, as Labour urges England-wide curbs within 24 hours.

Australia face an uphill task to avoid defeat by India in the second Test after collapsing on the third day in Melbourne.

The deal between the UK and EU ends months of arguments over business rules and fishing rights.

Officials continue to thrash out final details, after weeks of argument over fishing and business rules.

Ministers meet to discuss how to stem the spread of a new fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus.

Nicola Sturgeon warns that the current top level of restrictions may need to be tightened further.

The government borrowed £31.6bn last month as it continued to support the economy during the pandemic.

The deputy first minister says the prevalence of the virus is much lower than other parts of the UK.

Officers in Scotland "will act" if they believe there is a "flagrant" breach of travel restrictions.

In a key policy speech, the Labour leader set out plans for the "boldest devolution project in a generation".

France will stop lorries arriving from the UK for 48 hours amid concerns about a new coronavirus variant.

Retail and hospitality industry leaders say more financial help is needed as they prepare for three weeks of tough restrictions.

The health secretary was speaking as three council areas prepare to move to a tougher level of restrictions.

The PM and the EU Commission head speak again by phone, and acknowledge differences remain.

The president of the EU Commission says the "next few days" will be decisive for trade negotiations.

An airfield could be used as a lorry park in the event of post-Brexit delays at Cairnryan.

Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and East Lothian will all move up to level three of the country's tiered system.

Scientists will keep a close eye on this variant to see if it is a better spreader than others.

All 32 local authority areas in the country will be assessed by politicians and public health officials.

Annie Innes, 90, from South Lanarkshire, is the first person to be be vaccinated in a care home.

Nicola Sturgeon says Scots planning to meet up at Christmas should cut down on "unnecessary contacts" now.

Non-essential shops across much of western Scotland have reopened for the first time in three weeks.

A new report identifies that UK and foreign travel was the trigger for the second wave of the pandemic.

Details of a further £185m of support for Scottish firms hit by Covid-19 restrictions are announced.

All 11 council areas currently under level four restrictions are to be downgraded to level three on Friday.

The first people to be offered the coronavirus vaccine begin receiving their jabs.

As people in Scotland wait to hear what Covid alert level their area will be put in to, we analyse the statistics and ask whether the toughest measures have been working.

Nicola Sturgeon says 11 councils in west and central Scotland will come out of the highest tier of restrictions.

Patient care could be put at risk if an agreement is not made before the 31 December departure date.

EU and UK negotiators call in leaders in last ditch effort to secure a trade deal.

The UK warns chances of a breakthrough are "receding", as it negotiates with the EU over business rules.

The first batches of the vaccine, which arrive in Scotland on Tuesday, will be given to health staff.

People in Scotland could start receiving the Covid-19 vaccine from next Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon says.

Ministers will continue to "look carefully" at Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, but both will remain in level two.

Nicola Sturgeon says the one-off cash payment is to thank health staff for their "extraordinary service".

Two new mass testing programmes are under way in a bid to drive down infection rates before Christmas.

Scientists spell out measures to minimise coronavirus infection risk when rules are relaxed at Christmas.

Scientific advisers to the government estimate the coronavirus epidemic is no longer growing.

Government guidance says the bubbles should contain a maximum of eight people over the age of 11.

Women and new retirees likely to be hit hardest by the planned change - but not before 2030.

An increase in the money coming to Scotland but uncertainty about costs and pay awards.

Covid hotspots are still emerging across Scotland, but the number of daily deaths is declining.

Rishi Sunak's spending review comes amid a difficult economic backdrop caused by the pandemic.

People can form a "Christmas bubble" and mix in homes and outdoors between 23 and 27 December.

Three households will be allowed to meet indoors over a five-day period between 23-27 December.

Nicola Sturgeon says the existing restrictions in place across Scotland are "having an impact" on the virus.

Nicola Sturgeon says there could be a "careful" easing at Christmas - but does not expect a relaxation at new year.