Nicola Sturgeon has warned that Scotland has not "abandoned" lockdown restrictions today unlike in England.
The UK Government ended almost all emergency legal restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus at midnight - meaning social distancing is no longer required south of the Border and all entertainment venues can reopen.
But that's not the case in Scotland where face coverings are still mandatory in indoor public spaces and 1m social distancing rules remain in place.
In an early morning tweet, the First Minister said: "Today in Scotland there is a further gradual easing of Covid restrictions - but not a wholesale abandoning of restrictions.
"Please continue to stick to limits on gatherings, observe appropriate distance, wear face coverings, ventilate rooms and wash hands."
The SNP leader has struck a much more cautious tone in recent days compared to Boris Johnson.
Changes in Scotland include the easing of indoor gathering restrictions in homes to allow up to eight people from up to four households to meet, while a group of up to 10 can meet inside a pub or restaurant.
Meanwhile, “informal social gatherings” of up to 15 people from 15 households will be permitted outdoors without physical distancing, while up to 200 people can now gather at weddings and funerals.
Elsewhere, hospitality venues can stay open until midnight if they are licensed to do so, extended from the current curfew of 10pm.
Customers will no longer need to pre-book a two-hour slot, but must still provide contact details for Test and Protect.
Sturgeon has said despite restrictions being eased on Monday “we are not abandoning them”.
She said: “If we do all of this, frustrating though it all continues increasingly to be, we will help protect ourselves and our loved ones.
“As we continue to complete the vaccination programme, which does offer us still the route back to greater normality, we will make it easier for more restrictions to be gradually and sensibly lifted in the weeks ahead.
“There is no doubt that Delta has become, unfortunately, something of a game-changer – even for countries on course to achieving full vaccine protection – so Covid does remain a threat that we must treat seriously.”
She said she understood the “temptation to lift more restrictions more quickly” but emphasised a “gradual approach stands the best chance of minimising further health harm and loss of life”.
Sturgeon added: “Because a gradual approach stands the best chance of being a sustainable approach, it will be better in the long term for the economy as well.”
August 9 has been set as an indicative date for when all main coronavirus restrictions will be lifted in Scotland, but ministers have set out an ongoing need for face masks and other basic measures to continue.
Scotland’s national clinical director has suggested sports stadiums could be full as early as August 10.
Professor Jason Leitch indicated last month that the planned end of social distancing rules will allow large-scale events such as concerts, festivals and sporting fixtures to go ahead.
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