Nicola Sturgeon has announced the latest raft of lockdown easing measures to take effect from next Monday.

The First Minister said the move to Level 2 will go ahead as planned.

She also said: "We are able to go further" in one respect on household meeting in homes.

However the changes will not apply in Moray, in the north of Scotland, which is likely to remain in Level three, with a final decision taken later this week.

The Scottish islands will move to level one as cases are lower there.

She said all of mainland Scotland except Moray, will move to Level two and travel restrictions will apply in and out of Moray.

Sturgeon said: "We consider we can go further and six from three households can meet in each other's houses."

She added: "From Monday, as long as you stay within permitted limits, you can hug your loved ones again."

Nicola Sturgeon said: "Please use careful judgement, close physical contact still carries risk. Limit the number of people you are planning to have close contact with."

At Level 2 the changes mean the following:

Meeting other people.

You can meet socially in groups of up to 6 people from 3 households in your home or theirs – and can stay overnight.

Six people from 3 households can meet in an indoor public place like a café, pub or restaurant, eight people from eight households outdoors.

Under 12s do not count towards the total number of people or households meeting outside but do count towards household numbers indoors.

Travel.

You can travel anywhere in Scotland but must not enter a Level 3 or 4 area unless for a permitted reason.

You can travel to England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands - before you travel you must check the travel rules in those countries

You can provide informal childcare, for example to look after a grandchild

up to 50 people can attend weddings and funerals

Tradespeople can carry out any work in your home such as painting, decorating or repairing

You should work from home where possible.

Hospitality

Can open indoors until 22:30 with 2 hour pre-booked slots, and outdoors within local licensing conditions for the consumption of food and alcoholic drinks. 

What can open at Level 2

Cinemas, theatres, concert halls, amusement arcades, casinos and bingo halls.

Stadiums and events – with maximum numbers.

What must close at Level 2

Places and business that must close at Level 2 include soft play, funfairs, indoor bowling, snooker/pool halls, nightclubs and adult entertainment.