WEST Dunbartonshire now has the second highest positive Covid-19 rate in Scotland, according to new statistics.

Latest official figures have revealed there were 240 cases per 100,000 people in the area in the week ending July 24, compared to a Scotland-wide figure of 186.4.

Only North Lanarkshire, at 245.6 cases per 100,000 people, has a higher rate than West Dunbartonshire in the latest figures - but in terms of case numbers, the seven-day rate in West Dunbartonshire is actually falling.

For the week to July 17 West Dunbartonshire's rate was 250.2 - and for the seven days to July 10, it was 388.3.

Orkney Islands remains the lowest area of infection across the country with 53.6 cases per 100,000.

Cases around the UK have been falling fast despite all Covid measures having been lifted in England on so called 'freedom day' on Monday July 19. 

Scotland could scrap remaining restrictions on August 9, however the First Minister has already warned that base measures such as mask wearing will remain in place for the forseeable. 

In a briefing on Tuesday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there had been 1,044 newly reported cases in the past 24 hours, with a test positivity rate of 5.6 per cent.

There were 63 people in intensive care, and 472 people in hospital yesterday as a result of Covid-19.

Seven further deaths related to Covid-19 have also been confirmed.