Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Aberdeen rises to 79

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the rise in coronavirus cases in Aberdeen underlined why it had been right to impose lockdown restrictions on the city.

Restrictions were imposed yesterday after a cluster of 54 cases was identified in the Granite City.

Pubs and restaurants have been ordered to close and people have been told to travel no more than five miles for leisure purposes, though travel is still allowed for work.

At today's Scottish Government briefing the First Minister said travel would also be allowed for education, and that the planned reopening of schools next week could at the moment still go ahead in Aberdeen.

People have been asked not to travel to the city and yesterday Inverness hotels confirmed they would not be able to welcome people from Aberdeen to their premises.

Detailing the rise in Aberdeen cases Ms Sturgeon said: "I, unfortunately, would expect to be standing here tomorrow reporting growth beyond the numbers today."

The Scotland-wide rate of infection – the "R" number – has shown a slight increase, and is now estimated at between 0.6 and 1.

Also at today's briefing Ms Sturgeon was questioned about unhappiness from many pupils and parents about the way exam grades have been awarded.

With exams unable to go ahead due to lockdown pupils this year have been graded based on a combination of coursework and teacher estimates, with thousands of marks subsequently downgraded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority, taking heed of schools' historic performance for exams.

The Scottish Government has argued that pass rates are still up on last year but remain "credibly" in line with expectations.

Ms Sturgeon said: "If there have been, as I'm sure there will have been, circumstances where the grievance that a young person feels is legitimate then that will be rectified through the appeals process."

She said she did not think it would be "the right thing" for her to step in to ensure that grades are based on teachers' judgment alone.

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