SCOTLAND has recorded three deaths of coronavirus patients and 692 cases in the past 24 hours, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

The death toll under the measure used for the daily figures – of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days – is now 7562.

Speaking ahead of First Minister’s Questions at the Scottish Parliament, Sturgeon said the daily test positivity rate is 3.1%, down from 3.6% on Tuesday.

The First Minister said 321 people in hospital are confirmed to have the virus – down 20 in 24 hours – and of these, 31 patients are in intensive care, up three.

A total of 2,249,612 people received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination as of 7.30am on Wednesday and 249,252 have received their second dose.

It comes as Sturgeon said a public inquiry into the response to Covid-19 will be a priority for the SNP if they form the Government after the election.

Addressing MSPs in Holyrood on the anniversary of the first lockdown, the First Minister said that, after meeting with representatives of families bereaved through coronavirus, “establishing a statutory public inquiry will be a priority for this Government if we are returned at the election”.

She said the Scottish Government did not get everything right in its response to the pandemic and it is vital to reflect and learn lessons from this.

She paid tribute to the sacrifices made in the past year, saying one of her overwhelming emotions is “gratitude”, thanking all those who adhered to the restrictions.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon sets out Scotland's next steps in coronavirus fight on lockdown anniversary

Sturgeon also confirmed some lockdown easing measures, including that the Western Isles will move to level 3 from 6pm on Wednesday and collective worship with up to 50 people, socially distanced, will be permitted in Scotland from Friday.

She told MSPs: “A year ago today, we all felt scared and uncertain. We did not know exactly what lay ahead or how long it would last.

“But we knew we had to come together to save lives, and I will never be able to adequately express the depth of my gratitude for all the sacrifices that have been made by so many.

“Today, I want to reflect on the anxiety, isolation, loss and grief that have marked the last 12 months, but I also want to acknowledge the compassion, solidarity and love that has brought hope and light to these darkest of times.”

She paid tribute to the “dedication, expertise and compassion” of health and care workers and also praised the work of the police, local authority staff, teachers and businesses.

Young people have been “truly magnificent” throughout the pandemic, Sturgeon added as she thanked them for how they have handled restrictions in the past year.