NICOLA Sturgeon has released a statement after being reported to the police for failing to wear a mask briefly while entering a hairdresser's. 

A video shared by Scottish Tory MSPs showed the SNP leader not wearing a mask during a visit to the barber's in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, on Saturday.

At the time there was a legal requirement to wear a face covering in most indoor public places in Scotland, including shops, public transport and hairdressers, though that rule was lifted on Monday.

An SNP spokesperson said: "The First Minister was invited into the barbers during an outdoor visit on the street.

"Within a few seconds, she realised she hadn't put her mask back on and immediately put it on."

Among those to have complained to the police was former Tory party treasurer in Moray Jane Lax.

Lax was suspended from the Scottish Conservatives in 2019 after a vile tweet about the First Minister’s miscarriage.

Police Scotland confirmed on Monday that no further action would be taken after the incident was "assessed".

A spokesperson for the force said: "Local officers have spoken to the First Minister to remind her of the importance of wearing a face covering when there is a legal requirement to do so.

“Given the circumstances of this incident, Police Scotland is satisfied that no further action is necessary.

“This is in line with our proportionate approach throughout the pandemic.”

Nicola Sturgeon releases statement on mask row

Speaking on Monday, The First Minister said: “On Saturday, while campaigning outdoors in East Kilbride I was invited into a local barber shop. After a few seconds of being in the shop, I realised I had forgotten to put my face covering back on. I then immediately put it on.

“However, I accept that not wearing a face covering even for a few seconds was an error on my part and I am sorry for that.

“Having received complaints about the matter, Police Scotland made contact with me. This is what they would have done with anyone else in these circumstances, and they were absolutely right to treat me no differently to any other citizen.

“I explained that the error was inadvertent and the police have confirmed that the matter is closed.”

The First Minister added: “While the law no longer requires face coverings to be worn, I will continue to do so in circumstances where this can help reduce the risk of infection, and I encourage everyone to do likewise.”