Scotland areas with fastest rising Covid rates as daily infections top 5,000
A total of 5,021 new infections were recorded on Wednesday (25 August) - the highest figure the country has ever had in a single day - while five people sadly died, Scottish Government figures show.
Cases saw a sharp rise from the previous day, which was then a record high of 4,323, while the number of people in hospital with recently-confirmed Covid-19 is continuing to go up.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged people to follow health advice and take precautions by wearing face coverings, staying outdoors as much as possible and washing hands and surfaces.
Ms Sturgeon also urged those who have yet to be vaccinated to come forward for their jabs as the vaccines are continuing to protect against serious illness, and warned she could not rule out imposing new restrictions in future if cases continue to rise.
But which parts of Scotland are currently seeing the biggest surge in Covid-19 cases? Listed are the Scottish areas with the fastest rising coronavirus rates right now, based on cases per 100,000 from the week 15 August to 22 August. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Rothesay Town, Argyll and Bute
Case rate in week to 15 August: 83.2. Case rate in week to 22 August: 2,413.3. Percentage increase in cases: 2800 Photo: Matthew Horwood
2. Balloch, West Dunbartonshire
Case rate in week to 15 August: 101.9. Case rate in week to 22 August: 1,375.7. Percentage increase in cases: 1250 Photo: Matthew Horwood
3. Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway
Case rate in week to 15 August: 143.8. Case rate in week to 22 August: 1,486.1. Percentage increase in cases: 933 Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN
4. Eaglesham and Waterfoot, East Renfrewshire
Case rate in week to 15 August: 79.1. Case rate in week to 22 August: 790.7. Percentage increase in cases: 900 Photo: Jeff J Mitchell