Two Scottish local authority areas are in line for a new severe level 4 lockdown according to a letter from the Scottish Government to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).

The new five tier system from zero to four is being discussed by Scottish ministers this week with a view to launching on November 2 and it says ministers ‘are keen to engage with local government.' South and North Lanarkshire are being considered for level four, according to the letter sent to COSLA chief executive Sally Louden to be distributed to Scottish councils.