The number of people Dumfries and Galloway residents can meet outdoors is set to be increased.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has revealed that, from Friday, up to four people from two different households will be able to meet up for social reasons. The limit is currently two people from two households for exercise.
The change was due to be introduced on Monday but has been brought forward due to the drop in the number of coronavirus cases.
Youngsters aged between 12 and 17 will also be allowed to meet in groups of four, but there will be no household limit.
Ms Sturgeon told Holyrood: "We realise meeting up, even outdoors, even in Scotland, can be hugely beneficial for our wellbeing."
People will be allowed to meet in any outdoor space, including private gardens. They should only go into someone's house to reach the garden or use the toilet.
Ms Sturgeon urged people to stay as close to home as possible, with the hope being to relax travel restrictions in the future.
Friday will also see the return of outdoor non-contact sports for all adults in groups of up to 15 people.
The "other careful change" announced by Ms Sturgeon was increasing the limit of the number of people allowed to take part in communal worship.
Assuming the situation does not get any worse, from Friday, March 26 the limit will be increased from 20 to 50 - providing there is enough space. Ms Sturgeon said she believes this "can be achieved relatively safely".
She said the vaccine makes the prospects of beating the virus "very encouraging" but "caution is still essential at this stage".
She also described the changes as "modest but important".
There have been eight new cases in Dumfries and Galloway in the past 24 hours, the largest daily increase for nearly a fortnight.
It takes the overall number of cases to 4,069.
The number of patients in hospital has risen from seven to nine, with less than five in intensive care.
