Nicola Sturgeon has announced schools will stay shut to most pupils until February, as part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus.

With a faster spreading strain of Covid-19 having resulted in a sharp increase in case numbers across the UK, the Scottish Parliament was recalled for a statement by the First Minister.

Her announcement will mean an additional two weeks of home learning for most pupils.

The Scottish Government had already announced the festive break was being extended to January 11, with ministers having originally planned for remote learning until January 18.

However, schools will still be open for the children of key workers who cannot work from home, and for vulnerable youngsters.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Just as the last places we ever want to close are schools and nurseries, so it is the case that schools and nurseries will be the first places we want to reopen as we re-emerge from this latest lockdown.

“They remain our priority.”

The First Minister also said that work was being done to see if school and childcare staff could be made a priority for vaccination.

Ms Sturgeon urged Scots to “stick with” new restrictions as a coronavirus vaccine is rolled out.

She said: “I know that the next few weeks will be incredibly tough.

“I’m sorry to ask for further sacrifices, after nine long months of them. But these sacrifices are necessary.

“And the difference between now and last March is that with the help of vaccines, we now have confidence that they will pave the way to brighter days ahead. So – for everyone’s sake and safety – please stick with it and stay home.”

The First Minister also returned to the public messaging from the March lockdown, saying: “Stay home. Save lives. Protect the NHS.”