Scotland could be the first UK nation to re-open its PUBS to serve punters outdoors as Nicola Sturgeon says she will allow a 'gradual opening' of its economy - putting pressure on Boris Johnson to confirm July 4 date for English boozers

• She will update Scotland about its lockdown in Holyrood this afternoon
• It could see Scottish pubs and restaurants freed to serve customers outdoors
• Boris Johnson announced July 4 reopening for England but yet to be confirmed 

Scotland could be the first UK nation to reopen its pubs to thirsty punters as Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today she is to ease its lockdown restrictions.

The First Minister will set out the next stage of her country's routemap out of the restrictive lockdown this afternoon, which could see boozers freed to serve drinkers outdoors.

Any such move would place huge pressure on Boris Johnson to confirm that English pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open on July 4 and to heed calls to reduce the two-metre social distancing rules.

He announced the prospective start date for the hospitality industry last month but as it approaches No10 has been unwilling to confirm it is still viable, despite increasingly worried pleas from industry for clarity.

Ms Sturgeon this morning tweeted: 'At 12.30pm in the Scottish Parliament I’ll set out next steps in easing lockdown. 

'We’ll follow plan set out in routemap - but in a phased way. That means gradual opening of economy/public services & easing some restrictions on personal lives - but consistent with continued suppression of virus.'

The First Minister will set out the next stage of her country's routemap out of the restrictive lockdown this afternoon, which could see boozers freed to serve drinkers outdoors

+4

Outoor markets could also be given the go ahead to reopen, along with pubs and restaurants with outdoor spaces, as long as physical distancing and increased hygiene routines are in place. Pictured is the Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore

+4

Ms Sturgeon this morning tweeted: At 12.30pm in the Scottish Parliament I’ll set out next steps in easing lockdown'

+4

Any such move would place huge pressure on Boris Johnson to confirm that English pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open on July 4 and to heed calls to reduce the two-metre social distancing rules

It is anticipated the First Minister will confirm the country is moving into phase two of her four phase plan for ending lockdown when she addresses MSPs at Holyrood at lunchtime.

An updated version of the plan is also set to be published by the Scottish Government.

Under the current proposals, moving to phase two could see Scots allowed to meet larger groups of people outside - but also meet people from another household indoors, with physical distancing and hygiene measures in place.

Outoor markets could also be given the go ahead to reopen, along with pubs and restaurants with outdoor spaces, as long as physical distancing and increased hygiene routines are in place.

Ms Sturgeon has already said she hopes to be able to give a date of when non-essential shops could start to open up again.

Meanwhile more services in the NHS could start up again, with the current document suggesting an expansion in the range of GP services and eye care, as well as an increase in availability of dental services.

However the First Minister has stressed that not all restrictions will be eased at the same time, with a phased approach to this likely.

While she has said she is "very hopeful" that Scotland can progress to phase two, Ms Sturgeon said last week: "We may not be able to do everything in phase two but I hope that we can do certainly at least some of that."

Figures on Wednesday showed there have been a total of 4,070 coronavirus deaths, while 18,066 people had tested positive for the virus.