Day: August 28, 2020

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip: Smoking

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

SMOKING

In the UK around 6.9 million people over the age of 18 smoke. Although rates of smoking have decreased in recent years, the number of people who smoke remains high.

Smoking harms almost all organs in the body and it is the leading cause of preventable deaths in England. Smoking can damage your blood vessels and heart, which increases your risk of having a heart attack.

Quitting smoking can be very difficult, but it is an important step for reducing your risk of heart disease. We provide some tips for stopping smoking below.

List your reasons for stopping smoking

If you are trying to quit smoking, an effective and simple thing you can do to stay on track is to write a list of the reasons why you wish to quit smoking. Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, you can read this list and it should inspire you to keep going.

Decide a time

As soon as you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease will reduce. The sooner you decide to quit the better. Try to choose a date within the next two weeks. If you leave it too long, you will give yourself time to change your mind.

Make a plan for when you quit

Make a plan to quit smoking and ask your friends, family and co-workers for their support. Identify the triggers that make you feel like smoking and work out how to deal with them in advance. For example, if you hang around with other people who smoke, you could plan to spend more time with non-smokers or do smoke-free activities with friends who are smokers.

If you usually smoke during your break at work, plan to go for a walk instead. Dealing with cigarette withdrawal can be tough and it can lead to you feeling emotional and upset. Before quitting, ask people to be patient and understanding and remind yourself that these feelings are temporary.

Distract yourself when you get cravings

Cigarette cravings are intense urges to smoke. Quitting smoking requires a huge amount of willpower. Cigarette cravings are temporary and they can last for 5 minutes. To avoid giving in to cigarette cravings, try to distract yourself for 5-10 minutes. You could try doing some physical activity or a bit of housework, do a bit of colouring in or planning a healthy dinner. Once the craving has passed, you can give yourself a pat on the back.

You could also consider using a stop smoking aid, such as nicotine patches, gums, lozenges or nasal sprays to help stop the cravings.

Get support to stop smoking

There is a lot of support available for people who want to stop smoking. Getting support with stopping smoking can increase your chances of success. You could try contacting your local Stop Smoking Services or chatting to your GP. If you know someone who is also trying to quit smoking, you could offer to support each other. You could also seek advice from a friend or family member who has successfully stopped smoking.

You can get further support with stopping smoking and a free Personal Quit Plan from the NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree.

For more healthy tips, recipes and advice, visit heartresearch.org.uk

Climate change may put Scottish private water supplies at risk of running dry

The latest UK climate projections show a trend towards drier and warmer summers, with the west of Scotland set to become wetter and the east drier, plus more frequent instances of heavy rainfall.

New research by the James Hutton Institute shows that these changing weather patterns are likely to make private water supplies across Scotland more vulnerable to droughts, a major issue considering that private supplies provide drinking water to 4% of Scotland’s population, and to many more through businesses and tourist facilities.

Summer 2018 was unusually dry and warm and many private water supplies ran dry leaving people needing assistance from their local authority. Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) responded on behalf of the Scottish Government by commissioning a report into how climate change is likely to impact the resilience of private water supplies in the future, focusing on water scarcity.

If, as projected, drier and warmer summers are more frequent, private water supplies will be increasingly vulnerable to water shortages. North east Scotland is forecast to experience the largest increase in water shortages, and it is also where there is the highest density of private water supplies. 

Dr Mike Rivington, project lead and co-author of the report, said: “About half of Scotland’s private water supplies are estimated to be within areas of increased vulnerability between now and 2050.

“Future levels of vulnerability are due to reduced water quantity availability combining with specific catchment scale water use, such as for agriculture. Across Scotland this will vary in space and time due to changes in precipitation and temperature that affects the overall water balance.”

Co-author Dr Ioanna Akoumianaki highlights the need for a better understanding of water storage at landscape scales and the potential impacts of dry weather on springs, rivers, lochs and the water table to help assess the risk of private water supplies drying up.

She added: “Awareness of that risk and collaboration between users, local authorities and experts will be key to addressing the challenges and achieving rural supplies that are resilient to changes in the climate.”

Environment and Climate Change Secretary, Roseanna Cunningham, said: “This important research provides more evidence that climate change is having a growing impact on our natural environment and resources – and on our everyday lives.

“The prolonged dry weather in 2018, and again this spring, shows that Scotland is not immune to water scarcity. Events like this will only become more frequent, which is why it is essential that we continue to build on our understanding of climate change effects with research like this. This will help develop our critical adaptation work and support of communities across the country.”

But it’s not just changes in our climate that present potential problems. CREW recently published a study led by Glasgow Caledonian University showing that private water supplies play a vital role in rural economies in Scotland, with many micro- and small businesses relying on them. Reliance on private supplies makes communities in remote areas of rural Scotland potentially less resilient, economically and otherwise.

The report argues that it costs more – directly and indirectly – to access and maintain private supplies and issues with water quality can be detrimental to businesses, further affecting the fragile, interdependent nature of small rural communities.

Whilst tourism is widely regarded as a welcome economic opportunity in rural areas, the sudden rise in water demand, such as along the heavily promoted North Coast 500 tourist route, was recognised as an issue requiring urgent attention. Better regulatory oversight and support and enhanced communication between relevant agencies both locally and nationally is essential so rural businesses and communities can continue to grow.

Prof Bob Ferrier, Director of CREW commented: “Scotland’s climate is changing, and it is important to understand the impacts of that change on our society. Reliance on private water supplies puts users increasingly at risk of both the impacts of climate change and the low resilience to economic impacts.”

Both reports are available for consultation from the CREW website: https://www.crew.ac.uk/publications.

Funded by the Scottish Government, CREW is a partnership between the James Hutton Institute and Scottish higher education and research institutes. For details see www.crew.ac.uk.

Barnardo’s: Children need support as they return to school

Children will need significant emotional support as they return to school, Barnardo’s says, as a poll for the leading national children’s charity suggests hundreds of thousands of children could refuse to go while others feel nervous, upset and scared.

The new poll suggests that the children of more than 440,000 parents across the UK could be refusing to return to school.

Almost a quarter of GB parents of children aged 18 and under surveyed (23%) say their children are nervous about going back to the classroom, and 4% say their children are refusing to return.

A tenth of the 1,000 parents surveyed by YouGov said their children were scared about it and 5% said their children are upset about going back to school.

Barnardo’s says it is vital for all schools to be allowed to have a “readjustment period” of at least a term where teachers can prioritise staff and pupil wellbeing, instead of being back to ‘business as usual’ from day one. 

The charity also says the Government must ensure schools have the tools, skills and resources to support children and give a higher priority to their mental health and wellbeing in the longer-term.

Barnardo’s is calling on teachers to talk to their pupils about how they are feeling and what they need to make their return to school easier. To help with this the UK’s leading children’s charity has produced two booklets of wellbeing exercises to help children reflect on life during lockdown.

There may also be children who need additional support from Barnardo’s See, Hear, Respond partnership which brings together all the people required to help a child or young person return to school to identify the practical and emotional support they need.

Covid-19 outbreak, as well as side effects of the measures to contain it, have exposed the country’s children and young people to an unprecedented level of trauma, loss and adversity.

Some children and young people will have experienced domestic abuse, poverty or child abuse for the first time. Others will be grieving for loved ones, and we know the virus has disproportionately affected BAME communities.

Some children will be fearful of catching the virus and others will be experiencing separation anxiety after spending so much time at home with their family.

The Barnardo’s pamphlets are useful resources to help teachers work with their pupils on how they are feeling, managing change, and changes to their routine and relationships. Both are available to download from the Barnardo’s website.

Barnardo’s See, Hear, Respond (SHR) programme, funded by the Department for Education, and delivered in partnership with more than 70 national and local charities, is aimed at children and young people in England who may have become vulnerable because of coronavirus.

It supports them with issues around bullying, hate crime and racism or anxiety. It also works with children moving into secondary school, or who have been excluded or suspended, and who may also need significant help. 

Trained therapists work closely with children, parents or carers, and their school, to help them get back in the classroom.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “Returning to school for the first time in months will undoubtedly be nerve-wracking for many children, their parents and their teachers. 

“The pandemic and lockdown have been hugely traumatic for young people – separation from friends, anxiety about the virus and financial pressures at home have taken a serious toll on their mental health.

“It’s vital that children go back to the classroom, but with so much continued uncertainty about the virus, it’s natural that some will be fearful – above and beyond the usual first-day jitters.

“The Government must now work with schools to reassure children and their families that schools are safe – otherwise some pupils may simply not return. Messages also need to be culturally sensitive, reflecting the heightened concern amongst BAME communities, who have been hardest hit by COVID.

“When classes do begin, teachers must be supported to focus on mental health and wellbeing, so children can address feelings of trauma, bereavement and anxiety, and readjust to being in the classroom. 

“Lockdown has been especially hard for vulnerable children who are now facing not only an ‘attainment gap’ but also a ‘trauma gap’ compared to their classmates. Barnardo’s specially trained staff are available through our See, Hear, Respond service to support them, and I urge teachers and parents to get in touch.”

Any teacher, child, young person, parent or carer can call the support line on 08001 577015 to request help.

Professionals can refer children and young people at www.barnardos.org.uk/see-hear-respond. 

Children, young people, carers and parents can find support at www.barnardos.org.uk/c19

Appendix 1 – Back to school coping strategies from Barnardo’s (taken from the booklets available to download from the Barnardo’s website)

For primary school children

Ask them to write down some words about how they are feeling and either draw or write what their face looks like
– Ask them whether their feeling is comfortable, uncomfortable, a bit of both
– Ask them to explain why they think they feel this way
Remind them it is okay to feel all feelings. There is no such thing as a bad feeling.

Tell them if they are feeling sad, angry, worried or frustrated they can take steps to calm down.
–      Ask them to write down some things that make them feel calm

Talk to them about some of the things that have changed because of the pandemic like not being able to hug and keeping a safe distance
–      Ask them to list which ones are in their control and which ones are not

For secondary school children

Ask them to keep a monthly mood tracker to see how they are feeling in the morning and evening of each day.
– Remind them all feelings are okay but if they notice a pattern of low mood it can be helpful to talk to someone about it

Ask them to write down their go-to strategies for when they are feeling stressed.

Ask them to write down what they do, or how they feel, when they are at their best.
–      Remind them if they are not feeling at their best they could talk to someone they trust and see if they could help make a change.

Edinburgh: an inclusive city?

A new campaign building on the City of Edinburgh Council’s work to create an inclusive and diverse workplace has been launched.

Designed to foster a culture where all people feel their differences are valued, respected and accepted, Inclusivedinburgh will highlight the many benefits that a diverse workforce brings.

Guided by the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy which was approved by councillors last year, the City is working to attract and retain a representative Council workforce which reflects the diversity of Edinburgh’s citizens. It is hoped that the internal campaign will help to make sure that everyone’s voices are heard and that all employees feel welcome.

Councillor George Gordon, Equalities ‘Champion’ for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We’ve worked extremely hard to grow as an inclusive employer and bring our diversity and inclusion strategy to life.

“Following many months of meetings, I’ve seen firsthand how this has involved tremendous efforts by our HR team and our colleague networks plus input from unions. I’m pleased to have been involved and I’d like to thank everyone who has got us to this point.

“It’s fantastic to now see all of the measures we’ve put into place brought together under Inclusivedinburgh. We’re committed to advancing equalities in everything we do and there is no better place to further foster an inclusive culture than within our own workplace. We are a disability friendly employer and we have solid networks in place to support all colleagues to achieve their best. Our LGBT+ and BAME networks are also thriving.

From developing our understanding of colleagues’ personal situations to creating our own benchmarking tool so that we can keep track of progress – we’re continuously bettering our policies and recognising the value of a diverse workforce. This campaign is about sharing best practice and helping staff while also striving to be even better.

“We’re proud of how far we’ve come and this new campaign helps our ambitions for workplace equality to stand out. For Edinburgh to be a fair City, we must do all we can to improve the quality of life for those who face inequality. Better still, we must aim to stamp out discrimination and prejudice, wherever it occurs.”

Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Chair of the Council’s Cross Party Working Group on Equalities, said: “As the City of Edinburgh Council, and as a major employer, it is vital to listen and to learn from the lived experience of colleagues from groups which are under-represented in our workforce and our city.

“The enthusiasm and participation of staff in our LGBT+  and our BAME colleague networks has been and continues to be crucial to how well we listen, learn, and respond proactively in our efforts to ensure we are an employer, in both word and deed, which values diversity and difference as a strength and key measure of our organisational health.

“I warmly welcome the launch of the Inclusivedinburgh campaign to promote respect and equality within and throughout all management tiers and service areas of the Council. This cements our commitment to attracting and retaining a workforce more reflective of all the Edinburgh citizens we represent and serve. 

“Recent progress towards this includes introducing guidance and support for those who are transitioning; and those who are going through the menopause; Unconscious Bias e-learning for Council managers is also happening which supports our aim that no-one experiences discrimination of any sort during our recruitment process; and creating and circulating a colleague calendar which raises awareness of dates and events of particular significance throughout the year, for example, Ramadan and Carers Week.”

The Edinburgh City Vision 2050 states that Edinburgh aspires to be a fair, inspired, thriving and connected city. The Inclusivedinburgh campaign aims to work towards that vision and the Council’s ambition to place respect, equality and rights at the heart of the workplace.

Commenting on the brand, staff member Bobby Nwanze said: “As the chair of the Council’s BAME colleague Network, it’s refreshing to receive such amazing support.

“Working closely to promote cultural awareness and tackle discrimination in the workplace will help us to become a truly diverse Council.”

Equalities ‘champion’ George Gordon explained this further when he wrote in the Evening News this week: “To become a fairer city where everyone can benefit from Edinburgh’s success, we need to take united action against inequality. 

“So, as we rebuild our communities and the economy from the COVID-19 crisis, we’ll be taking lessons learned from lockdown and listening intently to the voices of residents from our minority and traditionally disadvantaged groups. We have a chance to shape a ‘new normal’ for the city and this is an opportunity we will not miss.

“Within the Council, we’re already seeking out views from our colleague networks on how we can better promote diversity and inclusion amongst staff and in our recruitment processes. Just this week we’ve launched a new campaign to highlight the policies we have in place to make our workplace culture one of the most inclusive in Scotland.

“The Poverty Commission is pulling together feedback from people who have been unfairly disadvantaged by COVID-19 and I’m in touch with equalities networks to truly understand how certain groups have been impacted. 

“We’re on the cusp of a global recession and we need to make sure we put the right measures in place to support people at risk of unemployment or reduced opportunities, so that we can aim to create a more level playing field in a post-COVID economy.

“During the last few months, we saw our usual way of life and leisure activities taken away from us. But not being able to enjoy society fully with a trip to the theatre or day out with family is a battle people with certain disabilities face year in, year out.

“That’s why the Scottish-government backed Spaces for People programme which promotes wheelchair and wider access to high streets and other parts of the city is such an important measure for Edinburgh. As businesses re-open again, we want to make sure everyone can get out of lockdown and enjoy everything which makes Edinburgh such a great city to live in.

“All of us have also experienced a very different type of August without the buzz and packed High Street of the Fringe. And, as we develop plans for re-introducing events next year and designing our winter festivals, we also need to push for accessible routes for those who need them.

“Of course, our moves to make Edinburgh a more disabled friendly and equal city are not merely a response to the current crisis. This is something I’ve been championing since coming into my Equalities role and we’ve worked hard to highlight the rights and needs of disadvantaged residents in everything we do.

“Our ban on ‘A’ boards has been hailed as a success by equalities groups like the RNIB and Edinburgh Access Panel. I’m proud that Edinburgh was the first city to introduce this. We were also the first to bring in new-build planning rules to promote the latest, safest design for disabled residents. 

“Personally, I’m pleased we were also able to reach an agreement on necessary wheelchair spaces on buses and our swift and ongoing response to the Black Lives Matter movement is also going to change our City for the better.

“I stand ready to advocate for what we need to keep achieving, now and over the next 12 months to come.”

Canonmills Garden Show Home Opens to the Public

Edinburgh Homes Development Reveals the ‘Wow Factor’ for  Post Lockdown Living 

The much-anticipated Canonmills Garden show home and marketing suite has opened to the general public, giving potential home buyers a fascinating insight into the possibilities of post-lockdown living. 

There’s been a huge amount of interest in the show home so far, with an online booking system in place allowing tours to be carried out safely and in a controlled environment. 

Priority tours have already been carried out for existing purchasers at the niche development by Artisan Real Estate, which is a spectacular mix of 180 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and colony-style properties overlooking the Water of Leith in Canonmills, to the north of Edinburgh city centre.  

With almost two-thirds of apartments now sold since the development first hit the market last year, purchasers have been delighted with their first glimpse of what their new homes could look like. 

“There’s definitely been a ‘wow factor’ as our customers experience the size and scale of the apartments for the first time,” explains Artisan’s Sales Supervisor Christie Turner. 

“Up to now, we have sold all 64% of the properties off-plan, so it’s great to be able to now reveal to our purchasers exactly what they have bought. 

“And so far, their reaction as they walk in has been amazing to see – especially when they experience the light and airy living spaces for the first time, as well as the quality of the flooring and the fittings in the kitchen and bathroom.” 

The show home has been designed by well-known Scottish Interior Designer Carol Yates, with post-lockdown living very much in mind. Scandinavian influences combine with the solid oak flooring, adding a natural texture to the rooms.  And while it is a minimalist layout, accents of colour and vibrancy have been introduced with soft-layered fabrics and cushions to bring depth, warmth and vibrancy to the show home. 

Sales at Canonmills Garden are continuing apace despite the challenges of recent months with two first-phase blocks now sold out, with only one colony property remaining.

And with consumer confidence returning following the easing of lockdown, prices and value are also increasing at Canonmills Garden with the average value of apartments growing by seven per-cent since the development’s marketing launch in 2019.  

A range of apartments is now available at Canonmills Garden with prices starting at £249,500. For more information, visit: www.canonmillsgarden.com.  To book an exclusive VIP tour of the new show home, click here: 

https://canonmillsgarden.simplybook.it/v2/

Latest homelessness figures: ‘still work to do’

The annual update on homelessness statistics covering 2019-20 has been released by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.

Findings for that period show:

  • There were 36,855 applications for homelessness assistance. This was an increase of 84 (0%) compared with the 36,771 applications made in 2018/19.
  • There were 31,333 households assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness. This is an increase of 1,097 (4%) compared to 30,236 in 2018/19.
  • These households contained 51,365 people, including 35,654 adults and 15,711 children.
  • There were 11,665 households in temporary accommodation at 31st March 2020, an increase of 676 (6%) compared to 10,989 at 31st March 2019.
  • There were 7,280 children in temporary accommodation at 31st March 2020, an increase of 485 (7%) compared to 6,795 at 31st March 2019.
  • Homelessness applications that closed in 2019/20 that used temporary accommodation spent 184 days in temporary accommodation on average.
  • There were 4,595 cases of homeless households not being offered temporary accommodation in 2019/20. 3,835 of these were in Glasgow.
  • There were 500 breaches of the unsuitable accommodation order in 2019/20, compared to 645 in 2018/19. 375 of these were in Edinburgh.
  • Of homelessness cases that closed in 2019/20, 82% (20,806 out of 27,002) of homeless households secured settled accommodation in 2019/20, increasing from 63% in 2002/03. Other outcomes included ‘Other’ (8%), ‘Returned to previous/present accommodation’ (5%), ‘Moved in with friends/relatives’ (5%) and ‘Hostel’ (1%).

The full statistical publication is available on the Scottish Government website.

Commenting on the latest statistics, Maggie Brunjes, Chief of Executive of Homeless Network Scotland, said: “We know homelessness is not always prevented or responded to quickly enough and today’s figures from 2019/20 show there is still work to do, despite such a determined policy environment in Scotland. 

“The system itself is outdated and too often doesn’t reflect what actually works and what matters. This is changing but change on the ground can be slow and the pandemic has heaped uncertainty onto an already complex problem. 

“The causes of homelessness are predictable and most often rooted in disadvantage, which restricts people’s options. The figures also highlight housing supply and housing access issues and increasing the supply of suitable homes for families and individuals is pressing.  

“Effective prevention can stop homelessness before it starts and a top-level group is working on how we can get better at this. If someone’s homelessness is not prevented that person should be accommodated quickly in normal, settled housing with the right support – this is the focus of Scotland’s rapid rehousing and Housing First approach. 

“The statistics released today do not include the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on homelessness: the ‘overnight’ success in lifting people out of rough sleeping, a ban on evictions and urgent measures by charities, councils and government to plan ahead for this winter.

“Nor do they fully reflect the first year of Scotland’s ground-breaking rapid rehousing plans coming into effect. However, the figures are a reminder that the big, structural systems change needed to end homelessness, which is well underway, must continue at pace.” 

NOTE: The figures in this publication report data up until 31st March 2020, so this only crosses over with around a week of coronavirus restrictions and changes in practices being in place. Therefore, changes in trends in homeless data as result of coronavirus will be extremely minimal over this reporting period.

Craigroyston FC seeks volunteers

Helping the local community

Committee members and volunteers required

As many people will know there’s been a background staff changeover for the season ahead with a new chairman, committee and management team taking over the running of the club.

While we are moving in the right direction we would like to extend an opportunity for anyone interested to come on board as a committee member or match day volunteer.

We have a fantastic set up down at St Marks Park and would like to continue the fantastic work that the previous committee have done in running the club. We are effectively starting from scratch so we are very keen to add to our committee and volunteers as we look to build for the next 44 years.

As a committee member, you will play a major part in how the club moves forward. As part of the committee you will be involved in the general running of the club and be involved in fundraising etc. There will be regular committee meetings to discuss new ideas, and general club matters.

As a volunteer you will be involved on home match days helping with the various jobs before, during and after matches. If you are interested, we will find a job for you to help with, there’s something for everybody! From setting up goals and barriers to serving teas and coffee, to taking in gate money or hanging up kits.

Anyone interested please message us directly on our Facebook page and we can have an informal chat over the phone or a cup of tea down the club. Please do not be put off if you’ve never been involved with a club before, If you have good ideas then we would love to hear from you.

Clubs at our level rely on volunteers, they are the people that make the club run, without you we simply couldn’t do it.

Craigroyston FC committee

Fundraise for Held In Our Hearts this September

Held In Our Hearts are looking for your help in virtual events in September

The Edinburgh Marathon weekend was due to take place on 5th and 6th September and now will be a virtual event.

You can sign up and run your chosen distance anytime between now and the end of December  and fundraise for Held In Our Hearts. You will still receive that all important blue t -shirt and medal. https://virtual.edinburghmarathon.com

The Edinburgh Kiltwalk was due to take place on 13th September  but will now go ahead as a virtual event.

You can still sign up and walk your chosen distance and fundraise for the charityhttps://thekiltwalk.co.uk/events/edinburgh

Held In Our Hearts is a local charity proving baby loss counselling and support to families. Formerly known as SANDS Lothians, we have 40 years’ experience of offering compassionate care bereavement care in the community.

When a family’s baby dies, it is an incredibly traumatic and extremely lonely time as parents struggle to find others who can connect with the overwhelming emotions they experience.

The majority of our staff are bereaved themselves, so we are there to let them know they are not alone. Through our support services, we journey with families providing empathy, while they start to come to terms with what has happened and help support them in their grief.

As we are now going into the second half of 2020  bereaved families need your support more than ever and as the world starts to return to a new normal our families know that life without their precious baby is a new normal for them.

For more information on your events or if you want to fundraise in other ways you can contact tracy@heldinourhearts.org.uk

Police granted powers to break up large house parties

Restrictions on social gatherings will come into force from today (Friday 28 August) making it an offence to breach coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance by having a large house party indoors.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made it clear that the move, which will be reviewed every three weeks, was necessary to ensure socialising can continue in a safe and responsible manner ahead of an expected rise in indoor gatherings during autumn and winter months.

Reports from local outbreak Incident Management Teams suggest that the increasing number of house parties taking place against guidance pose a major risk of COVID-19 transmission and could present high-risk ‘super-spreader’ environments.

Taking responsible action now can help protect families, communities, schools and local businesses from having to return to the stricter lockdown measures necessary to contain any virus outbreak.

The First Minister said: “Seeing friends is particularly important during what is a really difficult period. But it needs to be done safely and responsibly. That is how we avoid the return of some of the stricter lockdown measures and continue to contain this virus.

“We know from our test and protect teams – and also from evidence around the world – that large, indoor gatherings pose a major transmission risk.

“The majority of people, young and old, will be sticking with limits under current guidance – and I am very grateful for that – however, there are a minority who don’t.

“I want to make it very clear – particularly to young people – that this is not about stopping you having fun, but enabling you to have fun safely.

“Ensuring police have the powers to enter and disperse large house parties is another tool in suppressing the virus. While we expect these powers to be used as a last resort, it will help to reduce the potential for future clusters and outbreaks.”

Under current guidance, no more than eight people from a maximum of three different households should be meeting indoors. That remains in place.

To take account of varying sizes and compositions of families across Scotland, it will be an offence for someone to have a party indoors in their house with more than fifteen people from more than one household present, with limited exceptions.