NICOLA Sturgeon condemned lockdown protests in Glasgow yesterday as people marched against coronavirus restrictions in Scotland.

The First Minister described scenes of people gathered in Glasgow's George Square as "quite upsetting", contrasting them to the situation in India, where thousands of people are dying every day amid a ferocious wave of infections. 

Sturgeon reminded her followers that the virus is still "very real" as restrictions continue to ease in Scotland.

The SNP leader was replying to a tweet from the Scotland Against Lockdown group that held a march in Glasgow on Saturday afternoon that attracted hundreds of people.

Sturgeon tweeted: "The juxtaposition of this and the catastrophe unfolding in India is quite upsetting. Covid is not a hoax – as more than 10,000 grieving families in Scotland know, it is very real. Thankfully, things are getting better here & restrictions are easing – but we must still take care."

The group had tweeted a picture of a gathering of people in the city square with the comment: "Great turnout today at the Anti Lockdown gathering at Glasgow’s George Square. Then marched to Glasgow Green and back again. While StandUp Edinburgh & Glasgow Groups marched from Queens Park to join in. A beautiful day in so many ways."

Coronavirus restrictions in Scotland are set to ease further on Monday, April 26 as hospitality, gyms, museums, libraries and non-essential retail are set to re-open after months of lockdown.

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Additionally, up to six people from two different households will be permitted to socialise indoors as well as tourist accommodation being allowed to re-open, but restrictions remain until further easing takes place, should coronavirus cases continue to decline.

SNP MSP James Dornan also condemned the lockdown protests in Glasgow, citing the sacrifice of Scots over the course of the pandemic.

The Cathcart MSP tweeted: "What good can this ridiculously self indulgent act possibly do? After all the hard work and sacrifice people have gone through you selfish, arrogant lot decide to show off for the media.

"I’ve a friend who has lost over 20 friends and family through Covid but hey, Me Me Me eh."

Meanwhile, there was also a large demonstration against lockdown rules around mandatory mask use and vaccine passports in London on Saturday.

Large crowds of people turned out and brought central London streets to a standstill as thousands were seen marching against restrictions.

The National: Lockdown protester in London's Hyde Park holding up a sign against vaccine passports

Hundreds then made their way to the city's Hyde Park where police said "small pockets of disorder" broke out.

Eight police officers were injured and five people were arrested in London on Saturday evening, police said.