FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced changes to coronavirus lockdown restrictions in Scotland. 

From Friday (March 12), up to four people from up to two households will be allowed to meet up in any outdoor space for social and recreational purposes. 

This includes meeting in private gardens, although Ms Sturgeon stressed that people should only go indoors for essential purposes, such as to reach the back garden or use the toilet.

From Friday, outdoor non-contact sport and organised group exercise will also be permitted for all adults, in groups of up to 15 people.

Meanwhile, there will be changes to outdoor meetings for 12-17-year-olds.

Up to four people from that age bracket will be permitted to meet, but with no restriction to the number of households. 

This means four people from four households aged between 12-17 can meet in an outdoor space, which Ms Sturgeon says will allow young people to see more of their friends.

The First Minister said the Scottish Government were making the changes to improve people's "wellbeing and quality of life" without having a big impact on infection rates.