DOUGLAS Ross has been forced to cancel his events this week after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Scottish Tory leader had been due to visit a chocolate shop in Peebles but was forced to cancel after contracting the virus.

The Conservatives confirmed he has cleared his diary for the week as he self-isolates. 

The cancellations come as parties prepare for council elections across the country.

The Conservative chief commented: "Unfortunately I’ve had to cancel events this week as I’ve tested positive for Covid.

"I'm looking forward to getting back out on the campaign trail soon to talk about how Scottish Conservative candidates will deliver local action on local issues."

The National: Scottish Conservative Party Leader Douglas Ross during the Scottish Conservative Conference at P&J Live, The Exhibition Centre, Aberdeen. Picture date: Saturday March 19, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS ScotTories. Photo credit should read:

Last week in Parliament, the Scottish Conservative leader urged Nicola Sturgeon to drop the country's remaining Covid restrictions.

The First Minister confirmed the requirement to wear a mask at a religious service, a wedding, funeral or civil ceremony, lapsed from Monday, April 4.

The final requirements applying to shops, public transport, and some other indoor settings will be dropped from April 18.

Ross criticised the move, arguing the Government wasn't moving fast enough. He said: "This isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s really holding some people back. Retaining face masks in schools and businesses is damaging young people’s education and limiting the Scottish economy."

Ross has twice previously been forced to self-isolate after being identified as a close contact.

Last week, Deputy First Minister John Swinney and Justice Secretary Keith Brown also had the virus.