Covid cases in East Ayrshire continue to rise, with the most recent weekly total increasing by more than 100 on the previous week.

The latest Public Health Scotland statistics show that there were 954 positive tests returned in East Ayrshire between September 5-11.

That’s an increase from 830 the week before and 736 the week before that. It represents a seven-day rate per 100,000 of population of 784.5.

Some 92.1 per cent of all people aged 16 and over in East Ayrshire have now had at least one dose of a Covid vaccine. 84.8 per cent have had two doses.

According to the latest National Records of Scotland statistics, one person in East Ayrshire died where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate between August 30 - September 5.

Last week, MSPs voted to back the introduction of a Covid vaccine passport scheme, which will come into effect on October 1.

It means that nightclubs and large events will only be able to allow entry to people who can show they have had two doses of a Covid vaccine.

The scheme has been introduced to allow events to go ahead despite surging cases of Covid-19 in communities.

It means we avoid the re-imposition of wider restrictions, and it is hoped it will encourage the uptake of the vaccine in younger people.

It will work by accessing an NHS Scotland Covid Status App, which will be available from September 30, which will show a QR code for each vaccination.

The Greens supported the SNP in passing the bill.

The Conservatives, Labour, and the Lib Dems all opposed the scheme.

And yesterday Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that Scotland is to begin vaccinating children aged between 12 and 15 from Monday of next week.