A total of eight people have died of coronavirus in Scotland in the last 24 hours.
Figures announced by the Scottish Government this afternoon reveal 639 new cases of the virus have been identified overnight, bringing the total cases to 209,068.
The latest figures mean that, since the start of the pandemic, 7,508 people have lost their lives to coronavirus in Scotland.
The statistics also reveal a total of 479 people are being treated in hospital, with 38 in ICU, one less than yesterday.
It comes as the First Minister paid tribute to those who lost their lives to the virus.
Writing in the Record she said: "It is natural to reflect, to remember those we have lost, and to offer our continued thoughts, solidarity and support to the bereaved.
"None of us will ever forget this year, and plans are in motion to commemorate both the loss of life and the sacrifices people have made on 23 March, which is the anniversary of the first lockdown.
"We are also discussing how communities can be supported to develop their own activities over the coming year, as part of longer-term plans for remembrance.
"As we remember, we can also reflect on how far we have come in a relatively short period of time.
"It is easy to forget that this is still a relatively new disease. That poses challenges, because it means that doctors and scientists are still working out how best to combat and treat it.
"But it also offers hope, because the more we learn, the better chance we stand of getting ahead of the virus – and we are learning more all the time."
