Nicola Sturgeon has announced that people will be able to meet indoors from May 17 at the latest.
Speaking to the Scottish Parliament today, the First Minister outlined a number of changes to restrictions that would see Scotland gradually leave lockdown, also providing dates for when the new rules will come into effect.
Ms Sturgeon confirmed that groups of up to four people will be able to gather indoors from no more than two households from May 17 at the latest, if it "has not proved possible before".
The First Minister said that she recognised that being unable to meet with friends and family indoors was "especially important" and promised to keep the change under close review.
Follow today’s big lockdown review as it happens on our live blog
She said: "On 17 May, we expect restrictions on outdoor social gatherings to ease further.
"And, if this has not proved possible before this date, we also expect that people will be able to meet up inside each other’s homes again – initially in groups of up to 4 people from no more than 2 households.
"I know that the restriction on indoor meetings has been one of the hardest parts of lockdown for many people to bear.
Unfortunately, though, it is necessary and I note that the easing of this restriction is not expected before mid May in England either.
"However, all of us yearn to meet with friends and loved ones indoors again, and I know this is especially important for those who live alone.
"So we will keep this under ongoing review and seek to restore a degree of normality just as soon as it is safe to do so."
During her statement to parliament, the First Minister also confirmed plans to lift the current ’stay at home’ rule on April 2 to be replaced initially with guidance to 'stay local' - i.e. not to travel outside your local authority area unless for essential purposes - for a period of no more than 3 weeks.
Other areas addressed today include reopening shops, hairdressers and barbers, and hospitality. Here’s everything we know so far about the latest route map out of lockdown.
