Sam Shedden Engagement Editor

Good morning readers,

We've got a packed newsletter for you today as Covid-19 concerns grow.

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Now on to the news. 

Nicola Sturgeon says ministers are closely monitoring the rising Covid-19 cases in Glasgow as the nation is poised to for another day of significant lockdown easing on Monday. Scotland's biggest city now has the second highest level of case rates in the country, although, it is still significantly lower than Moray, with several hotspot areas identified.

Just how many people have been travelling to Scotland from abroad since quarantine measures were brought in? That's the question our health correspondent Elsa Maishman asks (and answers) as she assesses the impact of the restrictions placed on international travel.

Last night the controversial Scottish independence campaigner Stuart Campbell announced he is ending his involvement with the Wings Over Scotland blog. Following Alba's dismal performance during the Holyrood election, Mr Campbell said "what’s coming now is five miserable years of deja vu." The hugely influential blog has attracted criticism for its stance on a range of issues, and, in December 2019, the blog’s official Twitter account was permanently suspended for violation of the platform's rules against hateful conduct.

Scientists have unearthed more detail on how Scotland's ancient and enigmatic people, the Picts, lived. It turns out they're not too different from us. Evidence of wine drinking has been found at the  largest known Pictish settlement with archaeologists investigating whether a huge festival was held at the hilltop site. An ancient forbearer to T in the Park perhaps.

Thanks for reading, more stories for you below.

Sam Shedden