SCOTLAND will adopt a five-tier lockdown system from November 2, Nicola Sturgeon has announced. 

The country would have three central tiers similar to the medium, high and very high alert levels in England, which curb hospitality and social mixing.

The First Minister has said the middle three tiers of Scotland’s new system will be “broadly equivalent” to the medium, high and very high alert levels in England, but that there will also be an extra upper and lower level.

The lower level will represent the closest to normal life until we have a vaccine or a more effective treatment for the virus.

"We do not envisage returning to a full lockdown situation as imposed in March", Sturgeon stressted.

Sturgeon said the framework, which is being published today, is "trying to balance different types of harm" which includes mental health, economic harm and social effects.

The FM is to have a meeting with leaders of other parties this afternoon. 

Businesses are to be given the opportunity to set out any proposals on staying opening. 

"None of us want to be imposing restriction to businesses and individuals unless they are necessary."

Parliament is to debate and vote on the framework on Tuesday before the changes come into force.

Sturgeon cited the Irish and New Zealand models of alerts when she confirmed her government would introduce plans for a five-tier system to curb the spread of Covid.

At yesterday's coronavirus briefing, the FM repeatedly cited the former – perhaps hinting she was more minded to adopt Taoiseach Micheal Martin’s approach rather than the one favoured by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

More to follow.