Scotland to end social distancing

Social distancing will end in Scotland from Monday (August 9).

Some restrictions will remain: face masks will be required indoors and capacity for public spaces like theatres will be capped at 2000 people indoors and 5000 outside.

"While this move will restore a substantial degree of normality, it is important to be clear that it does not signal the end of the pandemic or a return to life exactly as we knew it before Covid struck," First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

Theatres Trust Director Jon Morgan welcomed the announcement, which puts Scotland's cultural industries on equal footing with England.

"For theatres, and for this year’s Edinburgh Festival, this will provide greater certainty and financial viability and for the broader theatre sector it will make touring easier."

Wales will lift social distancing from Saturday.