Good evening everyone,

Scotland's death toll from COVID-19 has reached 575 with confirmed cases standing at 6,067 and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said this afternoon that Scotland “will not hesitate” to diverge from UK policy on lifting the coronavirus lockdown if scientific evidence suggests it could save more lives.

Downing Street has confirmed the Scottish Government has the power to take its own approach on social distancing and movement restriction measures. Read more>>>

Meanwhile, Dominic Raab - standing in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson - has confirmed the total number of deaths in the UK has reached 11,329. 

Elsewhere, cycling has enjoyed a boom in Scotland with a reported rise of 215% from one counter in Dunfermline. Read more>>>

And one of our journalists has opened up on why lockdown measures have brought him closer to his significant other. Read more>>>

Stay safe, wash your hands, and keep following the guidelines.

Your Scotsman team

Here are this evening's headlines:

• Scotland's coronavirus death toll has reached 575 with 6,067 positive cases
• Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed Scotland 'will not hesitate' to diverge from UK policy on lockdown - if scientific evidence suggests it could save more lives
• Jason Leitch, the National Clinical Director for the Scottish Goverment, has said that while social distancing measures appear to be working, the situation remains fragile 
• Scotland's Health Secretary Jeane Freeman reports that 37% of the country's care homes have coronavirus cases
• The total number of deaths in the UK has reached 11,329 
• Spain has started easing strict lockdown measures as its daily death toll fell again
• French president Emmanuel Macron is expected to extend lockdown measures in the country
• More than 1.8 million people worldwide have tested positive for the virus, according to a US university count