There is to be a full ban on evictions for six weeks, into January, Nicola Sturgeon has said, after previous changes failed to stop landlords evicting tenants.

The First Minister announced that between December11 and January 22 no evictions can proceed, except in cases of anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse.

She said that while legislation is already in place until March 2021, it does not apply to eviction actions raised before the pandemic.

Ms Sturgeon said regulations will be introduced to legally prevent any eviction notices during the six-week, unless covered by the stated exceptional circumstances.

She said: "The Scottish Government took early action to effectively ban evictions during the pandemic, that were a result of Covid. The legislation which does that is in place until March 2021.

"However, this does not apply to eviction actions raised before the pandemic. This is something that has been raised in the Chamber by Andy Wightman, Pauline McNeill, and others.

"So the housing minister, Kevin Stewart has now decided to go further in providing safeguards and I can confirm that we will introduce regulations next week to legally prevent any eviction notices being enforced during the six week period from 11 December to 22 January.

"Unless there are exceptional circumstances such as antisocial or criminal behaviour, or cases of domestic abuse."

The Scottish Greens had called for a tougher ban to protect tenants in the private sector from landlords looking to evict.

Andy Wightman MSP, who had led the campaign for the Greens said: “I am delighted that the First Minister has finally recognised the urgent need for more protections for tenants during this pandemic.

“This is welcome reprieve for tenants on evictions, but only brings Scotland in line with what has happened in England. It would have been far better if ministers had listened to my proposals in May for a full evictions ban so that no one would be getting served notices during this crisis.”