Making a statement in the Scottish Parliament, the first minister said crowds at outdoor public events will be capped at 500 from Boxing Day for at least three weeks, while numbers at indoor public events are to be limited to 100 standing or 200 seated.

The restrictions do not apply to private events such as weddings.

Indoor hospitality venues will also return to table service from 27 December for up to three weeks and no more than three households will be able to sit in one group.

"From 27 December, again for a three-week period - we intend to introduce some further protections in hospitality settings and other indoor public places to reduce transmission risk in what are, through no fault of those who run such venues, higher-risk environments," she told MSPs

"I can confirm that a requirement for table service-only will be reintroduced for venues serving alcohol for consumption on the premises.

"And we will also ask indoor hospitality and leisure venues to ensure one-metre distance, not within, but between groups of people who are attending together."

Ms Sturgeon said she would not be changing the advice for Christmas, but urged people to be cautious when mixing with others.

She added that this year's Christmas will be "more normal" than last year's despite the newly announced restrictions.

"Just a few days before Christmas, I am again urging people to stay at home as much as possible, to slow down a highly infectious new variant.

"But, although it may not feel like it, we are in a much stronger position than last year. We have had far fewer restrictions in place for much of this year than was the case last year. Christmas Day will be more normal."