Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (Robert Perry/PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)Nicola Sturgeon has been spoken to by police to “remind her of the importance of wearing a face covering when there is a legal requirement to do so”, Police Scotland said.
It comes after footage showed the First Minister apparently breaching Covid face mask laws by removing her face covering in a barber shop.
Ms Sturgeon had been visiting the barber’s in East Kilbride on Saturday while on the campaign trail ahead of the May local elections.
Under current Covid guidance in Scotland, a face mask must be worn indoors in public spaces including shops, on public transport and in hairdressers.
In a statement, Ms Sturgeon said: “On Saturday, while campaigning outdoors in East Kilbride I was invited into a local barber shop. After a few seconds of being in the shop, I realised I had forgotten to put my face covering back on. I then immediately put it on.
“However, I accept that not wearing a face covering even for a few seconds was an error on my part and I am sorry for that.
“Having received complaints about the matter, Police Scotland made contact with me. This is what they would have done with anyone else in these circumstances, and they were absolutely right to treat me no differently to any other citizen.
“I explained that the error was inadvertent and the police have confirmed that the matter is closed.”
In a statement, Police Scotland confirmed it will take no further action against the First Minister.
It read: “Local officers have spoken to the First Minister to remind her of the importance of wearing a face covering when there is a legal requirement to do so.
“Given the circumstances of this incident, Police Scotland is satisfied that no further action is necessary.
“This is in line with our proportionate approach throughout the pandemic.”
