Scottish Parliament - latest news, breaking stories and comment - The Independent Support us New chairman of Scottish Police Authority announced. Martyn Evans will take up the role on February 1. The Scottish Government has said it will allow taxi drivers who are claiming Universal Credit to apply for a new support grant. The Scottish Government also publishes a 'modelling the epidemic' report each week. Advice about specific health conditions The First Minister will address the public following a cabinet meeting, as the Scottish Government considers tighter lockdown rules across the country. Scottish government U-turn on taxi grant criteria A new £1,500 grant for taxi drivers will now be available to those on benefits, the Scottish government says. Scotland has a five-level system of local coronavirus alerts, but since Boxing Day the entire mainland has been in the top tier of restrictions - level four. Up to date information on the coronavirus situation in Scotland, including what you can do, statistics and data, how to get tested, links to support and guidance and the Scottish Government's phased approach to exiting lockdown. Nicola Sturgeon set to give back-to-school plan update in Scottish Parliament Central Fife Times 11:01 18-Jan-21 Sketch: Michelle Ballantyne takes leadership Holyrood Magazine 09:24 18-Jan-21 MSP calls for clarity on transport provision between Inverness airport and planned new rail station at Dalcross Northern Times, Scotland 07:13 18-Jan-21 The first page of these reports contains a summary of the key points. The Scottish Government is responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Scotland, including health, education, justice, rural affairs, and transport. Health Coronavirus Live Nicola Sturgeon briefing LIVE: Army called in to vaccinate Scots as Scottish Government weighs up 'quarantine hotels' Live updates … dailyrecord Load mobile navigation News 24 m 25 minutes ago There have been 162,762 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Scotland and 5,305 people have died following a positive test for the virus, according to Scottish government figures. Ministers changed the … Get the latest Scottish news from BBC Scotland: breaking news, analysis, features and debate plus audio and video coverage on topical issues from around Scotland The new chairman of Scotland's police oversight body has been announced by Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf. The latest breaking news, comment and features from The Independent. This includes current estimates of the R number in Scotland and the growth rate of infections.