Nicola Sturgeon said she hopes to start easing lockdown “shortly” as she unveils her route map today.

The plan is expected to reveal measures to take effect later this month.

The First Minister said: “Today’s document is based on the guidance set out by the World Health Organisation and the experience of other countries as they have eased their lockdown – as well as what we have learned about the impact of COVID-19 in Scotland.

“This will be a very gradual process as we monitor how changing behaviour affects the infection rate and we will only be able to move toward easing more restrictions if we continue to work together to suppress the virus.

“Protecting lives will continue to be our  number one priority – and I am confident that people across Scotland will continue to pull together in this national endeavour as we return to some kind of normality.”