School children in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute will return to the classroom full-time when the summer holidays end next month it has been announced.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement as she reported another day with zero coronavirus deaths in the country.
Pupils have been out of the classroom since March, with a blended model of at home and in class learning in place to ensure that they didn't fall behind.
However in a welcome boost to parents and pupils, schools in Dumbarton and the Vale will reopen next month for all pupils - albeit with enhanced hygiene measures in place.
Speaking as she announced the news, Ms Sturgeon revealed that a phased return will take place from August 11, but said: "We expect all pupils to be at school full time from August 18 at the latest.
“It is a moral and educational imperative that we get children back to school as soon as is safely possible."
A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson told the Lennox: "Schools will reopen on Tuesday August 11 for an in-service day and children and young people will make a phased return to school and Early Learning and Childcare Centres from Wednesday August 12 2020.
"All children will be in full time by Monday August 17, the second week of term."
Last week, West Dunbartonshire Council announced that staff will be required to cover their faces when they are unable to maintain a two-metre distance.
West Dunbartonshire Council said this rule will apply to staff in education, childcare and additional support need settings.
And the move was welcomed by Mick Dolan of the EIS trade union.
He said:“The national position is what West Dunbartonshire Council is adopting, which is that teachers wear face coverings when they are unable to socially distance in order to protect themselves and those around them.
“There are, no doubt, mixed opinions on this but there are people concerned about returning in such an enclosed environment.
“Many will welcome the additional safety measures. The idea that the protection is not 100 percent effective is not a good enough reason not to do it.
“Children will have quickly got used to seeing people wearing masks while they are out and about.
“It’s not going to be the strange move that it would have been a few months ago.”
West Dunbartonshire Council and Argyll and Bute Council will outline more information on their plans in the coming days.
