Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that the first Covid vaccines have arrived in Scotland. 

The First Minister took to social media to confirm that the first initial supplies of the Covid vaccine had arrived in the country.

She wrote on social media: "Some positive news - initial supplies of the Covid vaccine have now arrived safely in Scotland and are being stored securely. The first vaccinations are on track to be administered on Tuesday"  

READ MORE: Coronavirus Scotland: 777 new cases in 24 hours with 22 new deaths

The UK was the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as being safe for use.

Last week it was confirmed by the First Minister that the first jabs could be administered in Scotland on Tuesday 8 December.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said the vaccine - which offers up to 95% protection against Covid-19 - is safe to roll out.

Scotland has recorded 22 coronavirus deaths and 777 new cases in the past 24 hours, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Scots scientist's message for Anti-Vaxxers

Jeane Freeman confirmed the arrival of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine ahead of its rollout from Tuesday.

She said the vaccine, which has to be kept at between minus 70C and minus 80C, is being stored before vaccinations begin next week.

Those giving out the vaccine, people aged over 80 and health and social care workers will be the first to receive it.

Scotland will receive 8.2% of the 800,000 doses - just over 65,500 - in the first delivery secured by the UK, with more expected in the weeks ahead.

Ms Freeman said: "I am pleased to announce that the vaccine is now in Scotland and being stored safely in order for vaccinations to begin on Tuesday.

"Science has given us hope and we are starting on a journey which will eventually allow us to escape this terrible virus.

"Following clinical advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, we will begin with those groups which have been prioritised to address 99% of preventable deaths associated with Covid-19.

"These include the elderly, care home residents and staff, and frontline health and social care workers."

She added: "I ask everyone to be patient as we work through these groups as vaccine supply allows.

"I urge you to go for the vaccine when it's your turn but continue to follow the rules as set out in FACTS.

"And we will eventually reach the end of this pandemic by working together."
The number of deaths of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days was down from the 41 announced on Friday. The cases are 189 lower.

There were also 945 people in hospital with recently-confirmed Covid-19.

Of those, 64 were in intensive care.

In the past 24 hours, the results of 20,723 tests were confirmed, with 4.5% of people testing positive for the virus.