Nicola Sturgeon has said that large-scale Hogmanay celebrations "will not proceed" amid surging numbers of Omicron cases across the country.
Speaking at today's daily briefing, the First Minister said there will not be any "large-scale Hogmanay celebrations - including that planned here in our capital city".
Addressing the Scottish Government's decision to place limits on the size of public events that can take place amid tightening rules in response to Omicron, Ms Sturgeon asked Scots '"to minimise Hogmanay socialising as much as you can".
She said: "First, from 26 December - inclusive - for a period of three weeks, we intend to place limits on the size of public events that can take place. This does not apply to private life events such as weddings.
"For indoor standing events the limit will be 100; for indoor seated events it will be 200; and for outdoor events it will be 500 seated or standing.
"Physical distancing of 1 metre will be required at events that go ahead within these limits.
"This will of course make sports matches, including football, effectively spectator-free over this three week period.
"And it will also mean that large-scale Hogmanay celebrations - including that planned here in our capital city - will not proceed."
The First Minister said the Scottish Government had been forced to make "difficult decisions" to keep Scots safe now Omicron has "firmly established itself as the dominant strain".
She added: "I know how disappointing this will be for those looking forward to these events, and for the organisers of them."
Ms Sturgeon continued: "None of these are being proposed lightly, but we consider them necessary to help stem the increase in cases, safeguard health and protect the NHS, the emergency services and the economy while we complete and get the full effect of the booster programme."
New restrictions have also been placed on Scottish hospitality, including a return to table service and limited household numbers.
The First Minister said the Scottish Government would review the new restrictions in three weeks.
"From 27 December - as we come out of the Christmas weekend - and at least until the end of the first week in January when we will review this advice again, please go back to limiting your contacts as much as possible," she said.
"Please stay at home as much as possible. When you do go out, please maintain physical distancing from people not in your group.
"And difficult though it is, please follow this advice over New Year - minimise Hogmanay socialising as much as you can."
For all the latest from Nicola Sturgeon's covid announcement, you can follow our live blog here.
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