A GLASGOW doctor has hit back at George Galloway's demands to end lockdown "briskly" and get the county "back to normal now". 

The former Labour MP took to Twitter on Thursday to vent about restriction while Scotland remains tight in the grip of Covid-19.

However, Galloway's message was rejected by Dr Andrew Mackay, a consultant at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, who said it was better to ease restrictions "slowly". 

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The former Glasgow Kelvin MP wrote: "My strong advice Scottish Government is to briskly begin a real end to this lockdown.

"Being able to meet a couple of people outdoors in the wind and rain isn’t doing enough for the people’s soul.

"Let’s get back to normal now."

Having worked in intensive care for a decade, Dr Mackay quickly responded to Galloway's tweet, stressing that a slow exit would prevent Scots taking steps back in our fight against the deadly bug.

He wrote: "I agree that giving people tangible hope and a deadline makes tolerating ongoing restrictions easier.

"It's much better to exit slowly and once than 'now' and having to revert."

As of today, a number of restrictions on Scotland's covid rules have been eased. This includes allowing for more people (up to four from two households) to meet outdoors and the return of non-contact sport. 

Speaking today about the return of physical activity, Jason Leitch, the national clinical director, said: "We know how important these activities are for young people, both for their physical and mental health, and how much they have been missing them.

"That's why we have tried to prioritise under 18 sport. 

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"We also know sport providers have been working under strict guidance with trained covid officers which provides the Scottish Government with high levels of confidence.

"I hope it provides young people and parents the assurance they need to re-engage with sport and activity in their local community."