Work to turn the Scottish Exhibition Centre (SEC) into a temporary hospital for Covid-19 patients is set to begin.
Nicola Sturgeon announced that the facility could be operational within the next two weeks at her daily briefing.
It comes as a further six deaths from coronavirus were reported across Scotland overnight.
The number of confirmed cases currently stands at 1,563 - an increase of 179 from Sunday.
A total of 108 patients are currently in intensive care in Scotland - an increase of 13.
The SEC facility will initially create an additional 300 beds, but could have the capacity for 1,000 patients.
Ms Sturgeon said that the facility "might not be needed" as there is already 13,000 beds across Scotland, with 3,000 reserved for Covid-19 patients.
The SEC was assessed as the best site for the hospital due to its location.
It will be a temporary hospital staffed by the NHS and Jill Young, former chief executive of the Golden Jubilee, has been appointed chief executive of the facility.
Work is currently under way with the Army to establish the facility.
The Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood said detailed modelling on the types of beds likely to be needed and equipment required is currently underway.
Dr Calderwood said it is likely that the facility will have laboratory, diagnostic facilities and a mortuary - as is necessary with any hospital.
She also added that there is expected to be a peak in cases in two to three weeks.
Ms Sturgeon said patients may not need to be admitted to the temporary hospital and it may not be required but it is a contingency measure.
The NHS is currently working to quadruple intensive care beds to 700.
