INVERCLYDE MSP Stuart McMillan has welcomed the timetable for the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The stay at home rule will be lifted on April 2, with non-essential retail being phased back in from three days later.

By April 26 the hospitality trade will be back up and running and travel restrictions are due to end.

Mr McMillan said: “I personally feel more positive now than I have any point over the past few months.

"In Inverclyde, during January the seven-day positivity rate per 100,000 hit a peak of 583, however on March 12 it was down to 27.

"That said, we can’t rush out of lockdown and see this progress head in reverse.

"Until April 2, please stay at home, except for specific purposes."