Today is the first day of Scotland’s Phase One lockdown easing. Follow the most important updates throughout the day here.
Coronavirus in Scotland LIVE: latest updates on Scottish Covid-19 cases
Scottish university students share post-lockdown fears
Scottish university students have spoken out about the challenges they have faced completing the final leg of the academic year in lockdown.
Students finishing coursework and completing dissertations have had to do so in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis, with graduates now facing an uncertain future post-pandemic.
Lewis MacMillan, 23, has just finished his final year studying Business Management at University of Glasgow. Before lockdown was announced, he moved back to his home on the Isle of Lewis to self-isolate with his family.
Although doing remote learning from a remote location, Lewis praises the university’s handling of the crisis by introducing a No Detriment Policy which means classifications will not be affected by the pandemic.
Lewis said: “I was back home which wasn’t ideal to get my work done but so long as I passed this year, my GPA wouldn’t be affected by any grades I got beyond 15th March. I feel like a combination of the extension and the No Detriment Policy outweighed any negative consequences of doing my dissertation during this time.”
Drive-in films to be screened in Scottish stately homes
An airport and a zoo will be among the venues for drive-in film screenings across the UK this summer.
To help soften the pressures of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, @TheDriveIn will tour 11 cities in 12 weeks from July until September.
Films such as Grease, Joker and Toy Story will be shown in large car parks, including those at Birmingham Airport and Edinburgh Zoo.
The movies will be preceded by entertainment such as bingo, stand-up comedy, family games and a silent car disco.
Meanwhile, separate drive-in event promoters are in talks with a stately home in Scotland for a week-long drive-in festival.
Drive In Events hopes to host a socially distanced event at Hopetoun House in South Queensferry, Edinburgh.
It could host up to 300 vehicles if it gets the go-ahead.
More money for the manufacturing sector
Nicola Sturgeon addressed the future of the manufacturing industry in Scotland as a result of the pandemic.
She said the sector had proven just how important it is, with companies coming forward to help produce personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitiser.
The First Minister told the briefing that most of the manufacturing sector will have to remain closed during phase one of the lockdown easing, but they will be allowed to prepare for return to business in phase two.
Ms Sturgeon said: “I’m announcing today that we’re providing an additional £20 million of funding for Scotland’s new National Manufacturing Institute (NMI), bringing our total investment to £75 million.”
The First Minister also announced that the contract to build the NMI building, which will be operated by the University of Strathclyde, has been awarded.
She said 12 new projects will be funded to help boost small and medium-sized businesses.
Nicola SturgeonWhen I talk about being a bit nervous, that's what I'm nervous about. Not people flouting the rules, because I don't think a majority of people will do that - but people thinking that they've got a bit more licence to do some things than we have actually given.
Nicola SturgeonIf you are in doubt about whether your plans are within the rules, err for now on the side of caution.
Jason Leith: "Do not take phase 1 lightly"
Scotland’s National Clinical Director warned the public not to become complacent as the lockdown is lifted.