A centre that will test thousands of asymptomatic people for Covid-19 could open in Johnstone within days.
It will use a mixture of existing and new testing technology to test people for the virus as part of a pilot that will see more people tested in areas currently under Level 4 restrictions.
The site, which the Express understands is due to become operational as soon as next week, will have capacity to test up to 12,000 people per week.
Results from the targeted geographic pilot will, the Scottish Government says, inform plans for a wider programme of targeted community testing in early 2021.
Health Secretary Jeanne Freeman said the trail - together with others in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Forth Valley, and Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board areas - would provide “greater protection” for individuals and health care professionals.
She said: “This expansion is possible because of increases in our testing capacity, delivered through our new regional hub laboratories and supply of new testing technologies, which will help us suppress covid to the lowest levels possible as we face a challenging winter ahead.”
