HOUSEHOLD mixing and hugging loved ones will return in Scotland from Monday as the country continues to move out of lockdown, Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday.

All of mainland Scotland, with the “highly probable exception” of Moray, will move from level three to level two of coronavirus restrictions, the First Minister said.

It means that up to six people from three households will be able to socialise indoors and can stay overnight without social distancing.

“I actually feel a wee bit emotional saying this: from Monday, as long as you stay within permitted limits, you can hug your loved ones again,” Ms Sturgeon said.

She added that it remains vital to be cautious and that dropping social distancing will be reviewed for all situations in the coming weeks.

Moray is expected to remain under stricter measures following a surge in cases and an increase in hospital admissions, with travel restrictions reimposed to ensure that the outbreak is contained.

Most of Scotland’s islands will move to level one due to vaccination coverage and low case numbers.