Three Scottish council areas move to Level 3 from 18 December

Three Scottish council areas - Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and East Lothian - are to have tougher coronavirus restrictions imposed from Friday 18 December. It means people will no longer be allowed to travel outside of their own council area unless it is essential.

Pubs, cafes and restaurants will have to stop serving alcohol and must shut at 18:00.

Holiday accommodation in Scotland

Guidance published on 15.12.20 states: “All holiday accommodation (hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and caravan and camping sites) can stay open in line with sector guidance. However, tourists should not travel into or out of a Level 3 area for holidays or visits except where travel is essential for work, education, health… which requires an overnight stay. Those living in a Level 3 area can still use holiday accommodation in their area but should not stay in the same accommodation with another household”.

Travel in and outside of Scotland

You must not travel into or out of Level 3 and 4 local authority areas except for essential reasons. See further guidance on travel and transport and view maps of local authority area boundaries.

Shopping in Scotland

All retailers (including leisure vehicle showrooms) can open providing they follow and have implemented Scottish Government guidance to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

Read more: guidance for the retail sector.

All of the country's other 29 council areas will remain in their current levels. Read more about the levels and what each means here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): local protection levels - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)