WEE COUNTY people will be allowed to hug loved ones they do not live with once again from next week, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.

Ms Sturgeon urged residents to remain cautious as she confirmed that most of mainland Scotland, including the Wee County, will move under Level 2 restrictions from Monday, May 17.

From that day, people will be allowed to meet indoors at last, with up to six people from three households.

When meeting outdoors, up to eight people from eight households will be allowed to gather.

In what is a major easing of restrictions, people will no longer need to physically distance when meeting indoors or in private gardens as long as they stay within the limits on numbers.

Ms Sturgeon confirmed: "From Monday, if you are meeting friends and family, within the permitted limits of course, either indoors in a private dwelling or house or in your garden our guidance will say that it is no longer necessary to maintain physical distance.

"Which means, and I actually feel a wee bit emotional saying this, that from Monday as long as you stay within permitted limits, you can hug your loved ones again."

However, she added: "Please use careful judgement; close physical contact does still carry risk, I've got to be clear with you about that.

"So if you have loved ones who are vulnerable for any reason, please still be careful and limit the overall number of people you are choosing to have close physical contact with."

Charity Age Scotland has welcomed the announcement, especially as overnight stays are also allowed, meaning people can travel to see friends and relatives who live further away.

Brian Sloan, the organisation's chief executive, said: "This news will be warmly welcomed by millions of families across Scotland, especially those who have been cut off from their loved ones for the best part of a year.

“After many long and difficult months, I’m sure there will be many tears of joy when families are finally able to reunite.

“While outdoor meetings are already permitted, they aren’t feasible for those who live too far away for a day trip or many people with health conditions. Relaxing restrictions on overnight visits means hundreds of thousands of people will now be able to travel to meet their friends and relatives again.

“We’ve heard from numerous older people who desperately miss their families, and grandparents who haven’t even met a new grandchild yet.

"While phone and video calls can be a lifeline, they are no substitute for meeting in person and hugging children and grandchildren.

“While we’re not yet out of the woods, this is an important step on the road back to normality.

“The last year has taken a huge toll on many older people’s mental health and well-being, with soaring levels of loneliness and isolation.

"Now that infections are falling, and most older people are fully vaccinated, they can now have the confidence to start to pick up their lives again.”

Support is still available, however, and the Age Scotland Friendship Line is available on 0800 12 44 222 for advice or a chat each weekday between 9am and 5pm.

From next week, bingo halls, cinemas and amusement arcades can also re-open.

Adult outdoor contact sports and indoor group exercises will be allowed to resume.

In hospitality, alcohol will be allowed to be served indoors until 10.30pm as well.

From Monday, Scotland will also move to a traffic-light system for international travel and green light status will be the exception, not the rule.