NICOLA Sturgeon is announcing further steps in Scotland’s route out of lockdown.

The First Minister will speak at a Holyrood coronavirus briefing and is expected to confirm a substantial easing of restrictions.

This is everything you need to know.

What is she expected to say?

Sturgeon will set out changes to Covid regulations scheduled to go ahead from Monday April 26 – including the reopening of non-essential retail, gyms and indoor sporting facilities, as well as beer gardens, restaurants and cafes.

It is thought that non-essential travel between Scotland, England and Wales could also be on the agenda.

These are the rules the First Minister is expected to announce.

Up to four people from two households can socialise indoors in a public place, such as a cafe or restaurant.

Hospitality venues like cafes, pubs and restaurants can open until 8pm indoors – but without alcohol – and 10pm outdoors where alcohol is allowed to be consumed.

The National: A pint in a beer garden

Gyms can open for individual exercise.

All shops, stores and close contact services can open.

Tourist accommodation can open with restrictions in place.

Driving lessons and tests can resume.

Funerals and weddings including post-funeral events and receptions can take place with up to 50 people, but no alcohol may be served.

Indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries can open.

Travel will also be allowed on this date to other parts of Britain, with reviews planned on journeys to Northern Ireland and the Republic.

When is it?

The First Minister is expected to address the nation at around 12 noon.

Where can I watch it?

Coverage will be screened live on the Scottish Government's twitter account.

It will also be broadcast live on BBC One Scotland and iPlayer.

You can keep up to date with The National’s coronavirus blog.

The National: Nicola Sturgeon

What has already been announced?

In March, all primary pupils returned to full time teaching and secondary schools on a blended basis, with senior pupils going back to class full time over this and next week.

Communal worship also returned last month, with congregations capped at 50 people.

On April 2, the “stay at home” order changed to “stay local”, allowing travel within a local authority area for non-essential purposes.

Hairdressers and barbers opened in Scotland for pre-booked appointments on April 5.

Click-and-collect shopping resumed, and homeware shops and garden centres began welcoming back customers.

Outdoor contact sports for 12-17 year-olds returned From April 16, people have been able to leave their local authority area for the purposes of socialising, recreation or exercise, though travel between the mainland and some islands is not permitted.

Rules on gatherings have been relaxed, with six adults from up to six households able to meet up outside.