The Scottish Government has published its guidance about what you can and cannot do over the festive period.

Up to three households will be allowed to mix over a five-day festive period between December 23 and 27, and travelling between council areas is also permitted during that time period, so that families spread across Scotland and the UK can form a ‘Christmas bubble.

Irvine Times readers are divided over the proposals with some seeing it as a necessary break to help recuperate from social isolation while others believe it will only cause more damage by allowing the coronavirus to spread.

One reader said: “As someone who faced the prospect of Christmas alone and having a single friend in that situation and my mother who is also single in the same situation, I think it is good.”

Another said: “I would dearly love my son to be with me at Christmas but given it is one year I’m sure we could suck up a Christmas with major restrictions as I’m sure will will have many more together.

“However I would like a relaxation on restrictions for those who are much older, the ill or shielding who very well could be facing their last Christmas, and be offered testing to allow them to spend Christmas with their family.”

On the other hand, a reader said: “Don’t think they should have lifted it. People will break rules and add in more households putting elderly relatives and very young at risk. Christmas doesn’t have to be all singing and dancing affair. Knowing relatives are safe has got be be priority.

Another said: “I’m a carer out in the community [and] unfortunately I will not be mixing with family this year as I will be putting myself, my family and my service users at risk.”

One reader commented: “I think it’s stupid, just be prepared for another lockdown come January.”

According to government guidance, the safest way to spend Yuletide is to refrain from forming a bubble and to stay in your own household, in your own home and in your local area.

But, restrictions have been eased to set “outer-boundary limits” for over Christmas.