Regions of Scotland are preparing for tighter coronavirus restrictions on hospitality today after concerns about rising infection rates.

Public health experts were keeping a close eye on Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils after recent outbreaks in the north-east.

Both authorities are in level two but could go to level three, forcing pubs and restaurants to stop serving alcohol. It would also tighten the guidance on travelling to a neighbouring lower-level area.

Concerns have also been raised about Clackmannanshire and Perthshire in recent days.

The 11 councils in the highest level four category will stay with those restrictions until December 11 at the earliest.

They include Glasgow and neighbouring authorities in west central Scotland, also taking in Stirlingshire and West Lothian.

At yesterday's coronavirus update, the First Minister said the north-east is being looked at "closely".

She warned: "There have been some outbreaks in food processing plants and we have been looking to see whether those account for all or most of the increase in cases we have seen, or if there is an indication of wider community transmission driving that."

The latest review will be confirmed by Sturgeon in parliament this afternoon.

Scotland's lockdown levels by council area

Level 3

  • Orkney
  • Shetland
  • Argyll and Bute - only covers islands of Coll, Colonsay, Erraid, Gometra, Iona, Islay, Jura, Mull, Oronsay, Tiree, Ulva.
  • Highland islands, except Skye.

Level 4

  • Highland (Mainland and Skye)
  • Argyll and Bute (Mainland)
  • Western Isles
  • Moray
  • Dumfries and Galloway
  • Scottish Borders
  • Inverclyde
  • Falkirk
  • Angus
  • Edinburgh
  • East Lothian
  • Clackmannanshire
  • Dundee City
  • Aberdeen City
  • Aberdeenshire
  • Fife
  • North Ayrshire
  • Midlothian
  • Perth and Kinross
  • East Ayrshire
  • East Dunbartonshire
  • East Renfrewshire
  • Glasgow
  • North Lanarkshire
  • Renfrewshire
  • South Ayrshire
  • South Lanarkshire
  • Stirling
  • West Dunbartonshire
  • West Lothian