Hospital visiting is to restart from April 26 as part of the Scottish Government’s route out of lockdown.

Loved ones are currently unable to visit patients at the likes of Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital due to Covid restrictions.

However, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has said that, depending on the continued suppression of the virus, one visitor will be allowed per patient.

She added that April 26 will not herald a return to “normal visiting” but described it as “an important step towards normality.”

“It will, I hope, be welcomed by health staff, by patients and by their loved ones,” said Ms Freeman.

Meanwhile, local residents are being urged to phone NHS24 on 111 instead of turning up at GP Out of Hours clinics without an appointment.

The plea has been issued by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) after a “sharp spike in unscheduled attendances.”

A spokesperson for NHSGGC said: “Attending a GP in person may not always be the best option for patients.

“Phoning 111 and going through NHS24 means they can be properly assessed and offered a range of treatment options.”