Nicola Sturgeon warned stubbornly high Covid-19 cases will keep almost all of Scotland’s 32 councils in their current covid alert tier today.
Midlothian had been hoping to drop from level 3 to level 2, which would have allowed a bit more freedom for pubs and restaurants
But a week after sending the hint, the Scottish Government said public health advisers were concerned.
It means only East Lothian drops to level 2 from 6am today. Glasgow and 10 neighbouring councils will stay at the highest level 4, while the rest also remain in their tiers.
The First Minister said the "overwhelming majority of local authority areas will remain in the current level".
Sturgeon added: "Last week we indicated that East Lothian and Midlothian – if there was no deterioration in their positions – would, from tomorrow, move down from Level 3 to Level 2.
"I can confirm that this will go ahead for East Lothian.
"However, the national incident management team has expressed some concern this morning about a rise in cases and test positivity over the past few days in Midlothian."
Sturgeon continued: "I know this will be disappointing for people in Midlothian, however, it is better than moving down a level only to possibly have to move back up again in a week's time."
The First Minister said the area will remain at Level 3 for "a bit longer" until the situation stabilises.
Sturgeon is also still in discussions about the final decision for easing lockdown over Christmas.
The SNP leader yesterday called for caution and said Scots should expect a "slight" easing.
But any temporary reduction in covid rules will not stretch to Hogmanay, she warned.
"It's maybe worth everybody asking themselves now - do we need to visit family or friends over Christmas? Because if we feel we don't have to then delaying a visit till the spring, especially if that visit involves travel, might be the better option," Sturgeon said.
On plans for Hogmanay, Sturgeon said: "We have to consider that the tradition of Hogmanay and New Year's Day dinner is more established in Scotland than other parts of the UK, but I do not expect we will be announcing any particular relaxations over the New Year period.
"And why not? Because we can't do everything. Christmas is hard enough."
