Nicola Sturgeon has stood by the Chief Medical Officer, Catherine Calderwood, after she admitted breaching the very lockdown rules she has been imploring others to obey.

Ms Sturgeon said resignation would be in the interest of the country however she later released a statement that to maintain public trust, Dr Calderwood will no longer take part in the daily press conferences.

Ms Calderwood, the face of TV adverts urging people to “Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives” admitted that she left her home in Edinburgh with her family to travel to her holiday home in Earlsferry, in Fife, two weekends in a row.

Ms Calderwood issued a statement apologising “unreservedly” and admitted it was not a “legitimate reason” to be out of her home but said she intended to remain in her post after speaking to the First Minister. She then admitted to having visited the property last weekend as well.

She said: “While I and my family followed the guidance on social distancing at all times, I understand that I did not follow the advice I am giving to others, and I am truly sorry for that.”

On Sunday police visited Ms Calderwood at home and warned her about her behaviour.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am acutely aware of the importance of public trust in the advice the government is giving to stay at home in order to save lives and protect our NHS.

“To maintain that trust we will be revising our public information campaign and the Chief Medical Officer will be withdrawing from media briefings for the foreseeable future. She will continue to provide the Scottish Government with the scientific and medical advice on the spread of Coronavirus.”

Iain Livingstone, Police Scotland Chief Constable, said officers issued a warning and reminded her the instructions apply to everyone.

Mr Livingstone, said: “Individuals must not make personal exemptions bespoke to their own circumstances. It is vital that everyone adheres to these requirements.”

Ms Calderwood has faced calls to resign from the leader of every opposition party but the First Minister said she is needed to give expertise and advice to help her deal with the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland.

Opposition parties said public trust has been damaged and Ms Calderwood should resign.

Ms Sturgeon, however, said: “It is my view resignation is not in the best interest of the country, that’s my judgement.”

Ms Sturgeon announced another two people have died taking the total to 220 but said the figure is likely to be higher.

The total number of positive cases in Scotland is now 3027, up 361, there are 197 in intensive care and 1590 in hospital.

In Greater Glasgow there are now a total of 931 positive tested cases.