The wave of Covid-19 continues to advance across Scotland on the first day of 2021 with 2,539 new cases confirmed in just 24 hours.
The worrying figure comes in a week that saw a rapid increase in the number of cases as the new ultra infection strain of the illness takes hold.
Scottish Government says the new cases account for 9.7 per cent of those tested in the same period.
The news comes as the level four lockdown restrictions across mainland Scotland meant a muted start to the new year.
And it follows a tweet from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon she reflected on the "worry and loss" suffered in the past year and her hopes for 2021.
She said: "This time last year, we couldn’t have imagined the worry and loss 2020 would bring. It’s a year history will recall but for us, time to leave it behind.
"As it draws to a close, thanks for all your sacrifice. I wish you health, happiness and hugs in 2021."
