NICOLA Sturgeon is poised to announce new lockdown changes – including a move to allow more meetings between households.

The First Minister is set to make a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, with falling numbers of cases and hospital numbers potentially allowing some changes to be made to lift lockdown earlier than planned.

Ms Sturgeon said on Friday: "[The drop in cases] should give us all real encouragement that greater normality is on horizon.

"Next week we might be able to make changes to how we meet people outdoors.

"It is important we don't get carried away yet so we don't send progress into reverse."

The current plan has a change of the rules on March 15, allowing for up to four people from two households to meet outdoors as part of the gradual route out of lockdown.

However, there is a possibility this could be brought forward.

What else is to be announced?

The First Minister also revealed that she will use the announcement on Tuesday to set out more information for places like hairdressers, hospitality and non-essential retail.

She added: “We’ve been clear as we come out of this lockdown it’s important to prioritise, be careful and cautious and prioritise what matters.”

She said so far that has been changes regarding school and care homes.

Ms Sturgeon contiued: “What I will talk about next week is can we free up people’s ability to meet friends and loved ones.

“It is unlikely we will lift travel restrictions.

“We are looking at can we give people just a little more freedom given the progress we have made.

“On Tuesday I will set out the longer term plan for shops, hospitality and hairdressers.“The next couple of weeks should bring a lot more uplifting news.

“We can’t run before we can walk or we will end up back in lockdown.”