Eight coronavirus deaths recorded in Scotland over seven days

The number of deaths involving coronavirus in Scotland has remained the same as last week, according to the latest figures.

Eight deaths were recorded between May 31 and June 6, the same as the previous seven-day period, bringing the total to 10,130.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) data shows three of the latest deaths occurred in South Ayrshire, with two in both Glasgow and North Lanarkshire. One death was recorded in the Scottish Borders.

Seven deaths occurred in hospitals while one took place in a care home.

One of those who died was aged under 65, two were aged 65-74, and five were over 75.

The statistics are published weekly and cover all deaths registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

They differ from the lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths announced daily by the Scottish Government because the NRS figures include suspected or probable cases of Covid-19.

It comes amid the continuing campaign to ensure Scots receive both doses of a vaccine against the virus as soon as possible.

NHS Lothian has launched drop-in vaccine centres for people aged 40 and over who require a first or second dose of AstraZeneca.

Anyone over the age of 40 who has not yet had their first dose can attend the clinic without an appointment, while those awaiting their second dose can turn up as long as their first injection was at least eight weeks before.

The clinics will run at Lowland Hall and Pyramids vaccination centres until Sunday for ten hours each day.

NHS Lothian has teamed up with the Armed Forces, with 36 Army personnel deployed to help deliver vaccines across all of the centres.

Pat Wynne, the health board’s nurse director of primary and community care, said: “This is a really exciting step for us because it means we can reach a lot of people really quickly to help give them some protection, which is obviously vital to help beat new variants and keep people well.

“We are delighted to team up with the British Armed Forces again. Our teams have previously worked with them in two of our vaccination centres and we invited them to return to provide extra capacity across our centres as part of this race.

“They will join our teams at the routine appointment clinics and in the drop-in clinics.”