Today, 4 January,  the First Minister announced that, from midnight, for the duration of January it will be a legal requirement to stay at home except for essential purposes. The restrictions are similar to the lockdown of March last year. The new restrictions apply to those parts of Scotland currently at level 4: all of mainland Scotland. The island areas currently in level 3 will remain there for now, although the Government will continue to monitor them very carefully.

As to places of worship on the mainland, as from Friday they will be obliged to close for all purposes except for broadcasting a service or conducting a funeral, wedding or civil partnership. Further:

“While up to 20 people will still be able to attend funeral services, wakes will not be possible during January. And a maximum of 5 people will be able to attend wedding and civil partnership services.”

The rule on outdoor gatherings will also change: instead of a maximum of six people from two households being able to meet outdoors, from tomorrow only two people from up to two households will be able to do so.

And see The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 10) Regulations 2021 and the associated Policy Note.