An elderly patient who contracted swine flu has died in the Lothians, despite having no underlying health conditions.

Their death takes the Scottish toll from the virus to 68.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "Any death is a tragedy for friends and family and I offer my sincere condolences to this patient's relatives.

"Fortunately, we are now seeing a marked reduction in H1N1 deaths - this is partly due to the use of vaccination and in part due to the declining levels of the virus among the general population.

"However, it's not too late for anyone in the priority groups to come forward and receive the vaccination if they have not yet done so. It has, undoubtedly, saved lives over the past few months.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank the NHS staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone who contracted the virus received the best possible care."

Children aged between six months and 5 years, people with certain health conditions, frontline health workers and pregnant women are all eligible for the H1N1 vaccine.