EXCLUSIVE: First minister 'can't give guarantees' we'll see loved ones again this year

The first minister says she cannot make guarantees that people will be able to visit loved ones again this year.

Governments in the UK are due to look at whether existing measures should stay in place for a further three weeks, next Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with Kingdom FM, Nicola Sturgeon said we can expect many restrictions to stay until the end of this year or beyond.

Ms Sturgeon told us: "You certainly will not see lockdown lifted in its entirety or anything remotely like it next week and I think it’s important to be clear about that.

"I can’t guarantee any of these restrictions will be lifted next week because we’re still studying the data, looking at exactly what is happening with the virus.

"But you know, of course, we will be looking equally to see if there are any things we can ease up a little bit or lift if it’s safe to do that.

"But I go back to my point, this is going to be quite slow, it’s going to be gradual, and it’s going to be in a phased way."

When asked about how that impacts people's ability to spend time with relatives or friends, the first minister said: "I can't give guarantees of anything right now and I'm not going to do that before I feel that I confidently can, because the last thing I want to do is raise people's expectations just to dash them again.

"But, of course, I don't want to be keeping people away from their loved ones for a minute longer than is necessary. I think that is particularly true with grandparents and grandkids.

"I know every night when I speak to my mum and dad on the phone - I can hear they're upset that they're not able to see my niece and nephew right now so I know from personal experience how tough this is.

"But we really need to take these decisions very carefully."

Ms Sturgeon also said:

* Schools are "unlikely" to return as normal before the summer;

* When classes do go back, certain year groups may attend on certain days or have a morning/afternoon split;

* The Scottish Government is considering which medical treatments it can re-introduce, including cancer screening;

* Authorities want to "encourage" people to follow rules rather than "enforce" - but it's more difficult to adhere to them they longer they're in place;

* The public should follow guidance from Holyrood, not Westminster, on medical issues like using a face covering.