Announcing the plans on Tuesday, the First Minister stressed event organisers will need "permission" from the Scottish government to put events on of more than 2000 people indoors and more than 5000 outdoors. Ms Sturgeon insists the plans are for a "limited time" but did not outline how or when they will be dropped. She insisted the plans were so the government can be "assured" venues are working to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. The announcement comes despite the SNP leader announcing Scotland will drop most restrictions by August 9.

       The First Minister said: “While we expect to see the careful return of large scale events...

       “We will, for a limited period, keep in place the processes through which organisers of outdoor events of more than 5000 and indoor events of more than 2000 will have to apply for permission."

       She insisted this is for the benefit of preventing the spread of Covid-19.

       Ms Sturgeon explained: “This is allowing us and local authorities to simply be assured of arrangements in place…

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       “To reduce the risk of large scale gatherings."

       She added how requirements will continue to be required at such events and in venues across Scotland for some time to come.

       Ms Sturgeon said: “We will continue to issue clear guidance to assist individuals and businesses to reduce the risk of transmission as much as possible.

       "Rigorous hygiene including regular hand washing will continue to be essential and good ventilation will also be important "

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       Despite the announcement that organisers will contiue to require permission to put on events, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that Scotland will lift most of its remaining coronavirus restrictions next Monday August 9.

       The SNP leader said from Monday nightclubs will reopen, sports stadiums and concert venues welcoming full capacity crowds and social distancing will come to an end.

       She explained how the latest decisions announced for Scotland are underpinned by th "vaccine success".

       But she stressed face coverings in shops and public transport will remain mandatory for "some time to come".

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       Announcing the change to the rules, The First Minister said: "This move will restore a substantial degree of normality, it is important to be clear that it does not signal the end of the pandemic or a return to life exactly as we knew it before COVID struck.

       "Declaring freedom from, or victory over, this virus is premature.

       "The harm the virus can do, including through the impact of long COVID, should not be underestimated.

       "And its ability to mutate may yet pose us real challenges."