A leading public health expert has warned Scots might break a new lockdown if the rules are not relaxed for Christmas.
Edinburgh University professor Linda Bauld said there has to be progress with any strict crackdown on daily lives or the public will be "even more unhappy".
Her comments came as Glasgow and swathes of west central Scotland were put on notice for the highest covid restrictions, level 4, to get coronavirus down.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the region is levelling off but infection rates are stubbornly high - but could not put an end point on the new phase.
Prof Bauld, speaking to BBC Radio 4, was asked if she thought restrictions could be lifted for Christmas at this rate.
“I think the challenge I would see, from a behavioural perspective, is unless some progress is made towards offering that to people, there may be a problem with compliance,” she said.
“I just think it’s so desperately difficult for people, this whole situation.
“As we move to a time where not everybody in the country, but a lot of people in the country, want to celebrate with their families, unless there is some temporary easing slightly, people will be even more unhappy and may not follow the guidance.”
A travel ban had also been considered ahead of a formal announcement by Sturgeon at the Scottish Parliament, due on Tuesday afternoon.
