JIM Murphy has announced he is "finally on the mend" after suffering from coronavirus over Christmas.

Murphy, who served as Scottish Labour leader for six months from 2014-2015, told his Twitter followers he is now recovering.

He said: "Finally on the mend after having Covid over Christmas. Felt as though it had liquified the muscles in my legs. A real relief to be getting through it."

Murphy's revelation comes as a further 1905 people tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland.

The new infections were recorded over the past 24 hours, with a positivity rate of 15%.

The First Minister said the figures “illustrate the severity and urgency of the situation”.

No new deaths were reported today, though registration offices were largely closed yesterday.

READ MORE: Another 1905 people test positive for Covid-19 in Scotland

Over the Christmas period, 289 deaths were recorded among patients who had recently tested positive.

“We are now seeing a steeply rising trend of infections,” Sturgeon said as she addressed the Scottish Parliament.

“I am more concerned about the situation we face now than I have been at any time since March last year.”