A coronavirus testing bus is on the road in Glasgow for people with no symptoms to get a Covid test.

Staffed by the NHS, the asymptomatic testing bus allows people to drop in with no appointment needed.

The bus also keeps a stock of lateral flow rapid testing kits for people to take away for regular testing at home.

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People turn up, register their contact details and are then shown inside the bus where a nurse explains how to properly carry out the self-test.

The testing bud is then handed back to the staff for it to be tested and results are sent by text or email to your mobile phone within an hour.

David McDonald, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council took a test when the bus was at the Botanic Gardens.

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He said: “This is an additional layer of testing in the city. The two new council funded buses will add to the testing availability.

“Testing becomes more important as more restrictions are eased. Testing is a route back to normal by helping to keep the reproduction rate of the virus low.”

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The bus is one of two council minibuses that have been converted by City Building into the mobile testing unit.

The testing booth is at the back of the bus with staff using the front for testing for results.

People can get tested at the bus outside the Kibble Palace at Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens today and Tuesday between 10am and 4pm.

The bus will be back at the Botanic Gardens next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am-4pm.

The second bus is expected to be put on the road soon.

Public health officials are asking people without symptoms to get tested, either at home or in the community, twice a week – to help reduce the spread of the virus in Scotland.

Mr McDonald added: “Twice weekly Covid testing for people without symptoms is extremely important as it can help stem the spread of the virus by picking up positive cases which might otherwise go undetected.

“Cases remain high and we must stay vigilant.

“I’d encourage residents to make regular testing part of their weekly routine to help protect themselves, their families and our communities and also to get both doses of the vaccine when they’re offered to them.”

Other testing sites operating in the city for people without Covid symptoms are in the car park of the Forge Shopping Centre in Parkhead and the overflow car park in Barrland Street, Pollokshields.

A mobile testing unit at Skypark in Finnieston closed on Friday and has moved to the Scotstoun Sports complex in Danes Drive where it is open from 9.30am to 6pm seven days a week.