Lockdown easing measures will start in Scotland from today, following Nicola Sturgeon 's announcement of 'relatively minor' changes to restrictions earlier in the week.
Speaking to the Scottish Parliament yesterday, the First Minister said the continued fall in coronavirus cases is giving grounds for "cautious optimism".
The easing of restrictions will include up to four people from two households being able to meet outdoors for social and recreation purposes as well as exercise.
For children aged between 12 and 17, outdoor meetings will also be limited to four people, but these can be from up to four households.
Meanwhile, outdoor non-contact sport and exercise are now permitted for all adults in groups for up to 15 people.
Furthermore, communal worship in Scotland will restart from March 26, with the limit for services rising from 20 people to 50.
Ms Sturgeon said: "The last 12 months have been incredibly tough - unimaginably tough for everybody.
"But as I indicated on Tuesday, we do now have real grounds for optimism, albeit cautious optimism.
"Case numbers, hospitalisations and deaths have all fallen in recent weeks and when we publish the latest estimate of the R number later today we expect it to show that it remains below one.
"And, of course, the vaccination programme has given a first dose to 40% of the entire adult population and it is set to significantly accelerate over the next few weeks."
More information is expected to be delivered next week on the phased reopening of the economy.
The First Minister continued: "Changes to the rules on outdoor meetings and activities which I set out on Tuesday will come into force tomorrow and, as I have indicted, next Tuesday I will provide more information about our plans for the phased reopening of the economy."
