SCOTLAND has recorded the highest number of Covid cases ever in a single day, Government figures show.

Some 7113 cases were reported within the last 24 hours, overtaking Friday's previous high of 6835.

Friday's figure was already a huge jump over the previous record, being the first time cases have risen above 6000 in one day - and it was 1800 more than the previous high.

It was the third time last week that a new record had been set as the Scottish Government warned the situation is “fragile” and said further restrictions could not be ruled out.

READ MORE: Humza Yousaf pleads with Scots under 40 to go for second Covid-19 jag

However, the Scottish Government notes that today's figures include a larger than usual proportion of specimens that were processed more than 48 hours ago.

This is due to the high volumes of tests currently being received.

The figures also show that no deaths were reported. However, register offices are now generally closed at weekends.

Of the 55,543 new tests for Covid-19 that reported results, 13.5% were positive.

Some 507 people were in hospital yesterday with recently confirmed coronavirus, while 52 of these were in intensive care.

In terms of the vaccine rollout, 4,101,311 people have received the first dose of a Covid vaccine and 3,655,287 have received their second dose.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The case numbers continue to be a cause for concern and our current situation remains fragile.

“As the First Minister said in her statement last week, it is vitally important that everyone plays their part in limiting the spread of the virus by observing the key public health measures.

“Those who are eligible, and have not yet done so, should get vaccinated as this remains the single most important thing we can do to keep each other safe.

READ MORE: Glasgow Tron Theatre boss calls for Covid restriction to be lifted

“We should all be testing regularly as this makes it less likely that the virus will be inadvertently passed on to others.

“And basic steps like wearing face coverings on public transport, keeping a safe distance from others and opening a window if you have someone in your house for ventilation can also play a key role in breaking off chains of transmission.

“All these measures can help ensure we maintain the progress that we have made, and to keep on living more freely.

“No one wants to see a return of formal restrictions, but we cannot rule anything out as cases continue to surge.”