Scottish coronavirus cases soar with 51 new positive tests and seventh person dead

There are now 44 coronavirus cases in the Lothians, up four since yesterday, with 51 new positive tests across Scotland in the last 24-hours.

Scottish Government data shows there is now 373 confirmed Covid-19 cases across the country, an increase of 51 in the last 24 hours. There have been seven deaths.

The latest Scottish Government figures reveal that there have now been 13 positive tests in Fife, 27 in Forth Valley and 34 in Tayside.

Both the Scottish and UK Governments have introduced stricter social distancing measures to take effect from today, with all but the most essential social contact to be avoided.

Pubs, restaurants , gyms and other places where social contact takes place have been told to close and not re-open.

Boris vid

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned Scots that the advice was "not optional", as politicians seek to slow the spread of the virus.

All schools across Scotland are now closed, with only the children of key workers allowed to attend so that parents who work in essential roles can continue to attend work.

You can keep updated with all the latest coronavirus updates from around Edinburgh throughout the day  using our live blog.

For the latest guidance on coronavirus from Health Protection Scotland, click here.