North-east kept in level two coronavirus restrictions as cases fall slightly

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are being kept under level two coronavirus restrictions, after a slight fall in cases in the region.

That is despite some health experts recommending that Aberdeenshire move into level three.

Overall, half of all Scotland’s local authorities will move down a level this coming Friday.

The first minister told parliament: "The fall in infection rates in these areas - the most highly populated in the country - have contributed to an improvement in the situation across Scotland as a whole. All of this puts us in a much better position to cope with the inevitable difficulties of winter.

"However, it does not remove the need for a cautious approach. The risks and challenges of the next few months are clear.

"That is why, in reaching decisions today, we have had to consider the potential overall impact of moving to a lower level of restrictions at the same time as the Christmas period begins in earnest."

Addressing the situation in the north-east, she added: "It is worth stressing... that cases haven't fallen in either area by as much as we would want to see.

"And there is still evidence that the levels of infection are due to transmission in the community, rather than being solely due to outbreaks in workplaces and care homes.

"We are therefore continuing to monitor the situation in both local authorities very carefully. I cannot rule out a move to level three for one or both of these areas in the weeks ahead."