SCOTLAND'S national clinical director Jason Leitch has confirmed that new Covid-19 rules will not force people on nightclub dance floors to wear face masks.

There were previously concerns from those in the industry over making revellers wear face masks while dancing or at the bar.

But the Scottish Government has confirmed that won't happen. 

John Swinney previously said it would be "a bit tricky" to make people wear face masks on the dance floor.

But Professor Leitch urged Scots to "act sensibly".

"You will not need to wear a face-covering on the dance floor, and you won't need to wear a face covering if you are drinking at the bar," he said.

"But I would still ask you to be cautious and careful particularly in groups indoors where you are drinking at the bar."

Guidance for clubs on the issue is expected soon.

It comes after Nicola Sturgeon announced Scotland is set to move "beyond Level 0" coronavirus restrictions from August 9, meaning clubs will be able to reopen for the first time since March 2020.

This will see an end to social distancing in Scotland but mask wearing will be here for some time, Sturgeon added.

It also was previously suggested that young people could be given a Covid-19 vaccine at nightclubs in an effort to up intake among the younger age groups.

The most recent statistics show 72.5% of 18 to 29-year-olds have received their first dose of a Covid vaccine while 24.2% have received a second.

Meanwhile, the Scottish government also confirmed Scots will be allowed to drink standing up in pubs and bars from Monday.