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

Latest official figures have revealed a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people in the area of 234.3 in the week ending July 26, compared to a Scotland-wide figure of 165.6.

North Lanarkshire is second to West Dunbartonshire, at 217.2 cases per 100,000 people in the latest figures - but in terms of case numbers, the seven-day rate in West Dunbartonshire is actually falling in line with the rest of the country.

According to Public Health Scotland data there were 207 positive cases in West Dunbartonshire in the week to Monday, while North Lanarkshire recorded 741 positive cases over the same period.

For the week to July 19 West Dunbartonshire's weekly rate was 238.8 per 100,000 population - and for the seven days to July 12, it was 317.7.

Orkney Islands remains the lowest area of infection across the country with 49.1 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. 

Today's figures show 1,398 newly reported cases in the past 24 hours, with a test positivity rate of 4.6 per cent.

There were 60 people in intensive care, and 490 people in hospital yesterday as a result of Covid-19.

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