Daily briefing: This is when MSPs will debate the new five-tiered restrictions for Scotland | The 12 areas that have the lowest Covid rates

Oct 27, 2020

Good afternoon,

Welcome to your (late) briefing from The Scotsman.

If you value our journalism please consider supporting our reporters, feature writers, reviewers, editors, photographers, videographers and production staff. A digital subscription starts at just £3 for the first month. Try us today here.

MSPs to discuss tiered coronavirus restrictions

MSPs are to debate and vote on Scotland's new five-level system of local Covid-19 restrictions later today.

The Scottish Government has drawn up the new system – which is linked to the three-tier system in force in England – to come into force from 2 November.

If the draft framework is approved by MSPs, ministers will then decide later in the week on which lockdown levels will apply to different parts of Scotland.

Follow the latest updates here on our LIVE BLOG.

Latest data reveals areas with the highest number of coronavirus cases

New data released by the Scottish Government has broken down the number of positive covid-19 cases per 100,000 people, according to neighbourhood.

The results are concerning, particularly for those living in Lanarkshire, which remains one of the worst affected regions in the nation.

The perfect getaway?

It has to be one of the most scenic views in Scotland, and this slice of heaven is being offered to one lucky buyer for as little as £35,000.

The quarter acre site in the village of Bunavoneader on the Isle of Harris looks south across West Loch Tarbert towards the island of Taransay, where Ben Fogle first tasted stardom as one of the main faces in the BBC reality TV series Castaway.

And finally...

Have you tried our interactive puzzle pages yet? Here's a teaser from today's cryptic crosswords to get you started. Nine down: 'Smashing person with extraordinary powers (10)'.

Stay safe,

Sam Shedden


	This is when MSPs will debate the new five-tiered restrictions for Scotland

	MSPs are to debate and vote on Scotland's new five-level system of local Covid-19 restrictions on Tuesday.

Scottish Government accused of leaving courts 'in the dark' over Hate Crime Bill

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf is set to face a barrage of questions about the drafting of the controversial Hate Crime Bill from MSPs, amid accusations the Scottish courts service was “left in the dark” over the contents and cost of the proposed legislation.

Why data skills are crucial to remain relevant in management

In a world driven by data, managers and leaders are increasingly aware of the need to develop their skills in this area.

Promoted by GetSmarter

NASA has announced that water is present on a sunlit surface of the moon for the first time

Hidden pockets of water on the moon could be much more common than scientists previously thought, and the discovery could have potential implications for future lunar missions.

How new Scottish spaceports will run like an airport - Amanda Solloway

The 1960s are rightly seen as the golden age of space exploration – the so-called “space race” to reach the cosmos, launch satellites and put a man on the moon. Together, they made mankind’s final frontier seem not so final after all.

These 12 areas of Scotland had the lowest rate of new coronavirus cases over the past week

Data from the Scottish Government shows the breakdown of coronavirus rates according to area between October 18 and October 24.

Leaked document reveals two areas in Scotland which may be moved to 'level 4' of the new tier system

A leaked report says that ‘Level 4 is being considered for North and South Lanarkshire’ as part of the new tier system which is due to be announced by the Scottish Government tomorrow in a parliamentary debate.

Yours for £35,000, a Hebridean view to die for..and your own tennis court just yards away

It has to be one of the most scenic views in Scotland, and this slice of heaven is being offered to one lucky buyer for as little as £35,000. The quarter acre site in the village of Bunavoneader on the Isle of Harris looks south across West Loch Tarbert towards the island of Taransay, where Ben Fogle first tasted stardom as one of the main faces in the BBC reality TV series Castaway. And whichever adventurer is brave enough to take on the challenge of building a home here will be well-rewarded with a lifestyle which, although sometimes challenging, offers some of the world’s most stunning beaches such as Luskentyre and Seilebost and the Western Isles highest peak, The Clisham, within easy reach. For outdoor enthusiasts there is some world-class surfing, challenging climbing, and wildlife in the form of whale watching and Golden Eagle spotting. READ MORE: Isle of Harris: 8 images that prove why it is a 'must photograph' destination for 2019 If fishing is your thing just along the road is Amhuinnsuidhe Castle looking out on to Loch Leosovay, teeming with salmon, and sea fishing expeditions. There are hopes of developing some of the biggest game fishing in Europe after a 500+lb bluefin tuna was bagged recently nearby. READ MORE Giant 9ft bluefin tuna caught off Harris coast And if it needs any further selling point, it is just yards away from perhaps the most bizarrely situated and remotest public tennis courts in all of Scotland, one which Sir Andy Murray has vowed to visit. Of course, anyone buying a plot will need a house to be built on the site, and many local architects, like Stuart Bagshaw, have specialised in designing homes which fit in to the local landscape. And for work, the buyer could maybe land themself a start at the distillery in nearby Tarbert creating and selling the world-famous Isle of Harris gin and its eagerly awaited first whisky, The Hearach. :: BUILDING PLOT 1, BUNAVONEADER, ISLE OF HARRIS HS2 3AL, is on sale for offers over £35,000 with the Hebridean Estate Agency. Tel 01851 700

Everything you need to know about SAS: Red Notice starring Sam Heughan

SAS: Red Notice is based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Andy McNab, the pen name of former British Army infantry soldier Steven Billy Mitchell

Jack Ross says 'huge incentive' is there for Hibs to beat Hearts at Hampden

Jack Ross has urged his Hibs players to seize the moment and book their place in the Scottish Cup final by defeating Capital rivals Hearts on Saturday.

Bongani Zungu: Update on when Rangers will have him in action

South African international midfielder Bongani Zungu will join the Rangers first-team squad for training as they prepare for their Europa League Group D fixture against Lech Poznan at Ibrox on Thursday night.

Hopes high at Hampden for SPFL fan return to stadiums next month

Supporters could return to some football ground as quickly as next week under the Government’s new tiered coronavirus protocols, it has been suggested.

Darcy Graham hopes Hawick connection can help Scotland prosper in Wales

Darcy Graham’s two tries against Georgia took his Scotland total to seven in nine starts but the winger knows chances will be at a premium when Gregor Townsend’s side face Wales in Llanelli on Saturday.

View more news