A new national helpline has been set up to provide help and advice to Scots who are at high risk from contracting coronavirus and do not have a support network at home.
The service is aimed at people who are older, disabled, are pregnant, or who receive a flu jab for health reasons.
It will connect callers to local services that can help provide essential food and medication, emotional support, links to volunteer groups, and social work services for vulnerable children and adults.
The helpline – 0800 111 4000 – will open on Tuesday morning and will initially operate between 9am and 5pm, with plans being developed to extend its hours.
Cabinet secretary for communities and local government Aileen Campbell said: “The coronavirus outbreak is impacting all our lives but for some it is more than a disruption – it is a severe restriction on their ability to access food, medicine or other essential services.
“This national helpline will allow our most vulnerable, who do not have a network support group, to access the essential help they need.”
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