Nicola Sturgeon has warned that the newest covid variant is "the most significant and concerning" development in the pandemic in months.
The B.1.1.529 variant has first been found in cases in Botswana, South Africa and Hong Kong, with six countries added to Scotland's red travel list.
All travellers returning to Scotland from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana are now required to self-isolate and take two PCR tests as of noon today, regardless of their vaccination status.
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Despite the growing concern, the First Minister said that it was too early to "press the panic button" on the new strain of the virus, stressing the need for more scientific information on the variant.
However, she added that it must also be taken seriously and said action was being taken "on a precautionary basis".
Ms Sturgeon tweeted: "We need more data to help us better understand the new B.1.1.529 variant - and it would be premature to ‘press the panic button’ - but it is the most significant & concerning Covid development of recent months, and so we must take it seriously and act on a precautionary basis."
UK scientists first became aware of the new strain on November 23 after samples were uploaded on to a coronavirus variant tracking website.
Currently, there are no cases in the UK, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed.
