Nicola Sturgeon is set to reveal Scotland's 'route map' out of coronavirus lockdown later today.
The First Minister is due to announce a phased approach to easing the current covid-19 restrictions while still suppressing the virus in a bid to save lives.
Sturgeon will divulge details of a four phase move out of lockdown, with progress through each phase to be assessed every three weeks.
A move to the first phase of the route map will only take place after review next Thursday, May 28, if there is confidence the virus can continue to be suppressed, as the Scottish Government continues to stress to the public their 'stay at home' message.
Schools, businesses and the general public will all be given advice on how to proceed.
It's understood recycling and garden centres are at the top of the list of those allowed to ease restrictions, along with allowing people to meet up outside, if they adhere to social distancing rules.
Businesses will also be given advice on how they can prepare to resume work, along with a plan for reopening schools.
Speaking ahead of today's announcement, the First Minister said: “The enormous sacrifices made by people and businesses across Scotland have had a real impact on the spread of COVID-19 and I would like to thank everybody who has helped to protect themselves, each other and our health and care services.
“For the time being the advice on staying at home except for essential purposes remains the same, but we hope to shortly be ready to start easing the lockdown restrictions and today’s routemap will outline how we can do that.
“At all stages in this process we have listened to the views of people and organisations in Scotland, and have been guided by the latest scientific advice – and that approach will continue going forward.
“Today’s document is based on the guidance set out by the World Health Organisation and the experience of other countries as they have eased their lockdown – as well as what we have learned about the impact of COVID-19 in Scotland.
“This will be a very gradual process as we monitor how changing behaviour affects the infection rate and we will only be able to move toward easing more restrictions if we continue to work together to suppress the virus.
“Protecting lives will continue to be our number one priority – and I am confident that people across Scotland will continue to pull together in this national endeavour as we return to some kind of normality.”
Glasgow Live will be bringing you all the latest from Nicola Sturgeon's briefing in our live blog - follow the news as it happens here.
