The Scottish Government is 'closely monitoring' a new variant of coronavirus found in England.
It comes as UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed that at least 60 different local authorities have recorded coronavirus cases caused by the new variant.
Nicola Sturgeon described the news as a "potentially concerning development".
She added: "Dr Gregor Smith has given me an initial briefing this afternoon and the Scottish Government will be monitoring closely.
"We will also consider whether any additional precautions are required meantime."
The new variant is said to be growing faster than normal coronavirus in some parts of England, reports the BBC.
Mr Hancock has said that there is "nothing to suggest" it caused worse disease or that vaccines would no longer work.
He said the World Health Organization had been notified and UK scientists were doing detailed studies.
Over 1,000 cases with the variant have been identified, predominantly in the South of England.
He added: "We do not know the extent to which this is because of the new variant but no matter its cause we have to take swift and decisive action which unfortunately is absolutely essential to control this deadly disease while the vaccine is rolled out."
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