finally lifted today after more than four months, while groups of up to six people from six different households can also now legally meet outdoors.
Until now, most Scots have been unable to invite people into their own homes for non-essential purposes since September and thousands of hospitality businesses remain shut.
And in an exclusive interview, Professor Thomas Hale, from Oxford University, confirmed that Scotland has endured the longest and strictest lockdown of any of the four UK nations.
Did you know you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to our daily newsletter?We send a morning and lunchtime newsletter covering the latest headlines every day.We also send coronavirus updates at 5pm on weekdays, and a round up.