| Good morning, Welcome to Thursday. One thing to mention before we begin. We are now streaming the Scottish Government's daily briefing live via our website so you don't miss a thing. Listen to the briefing and read our analysis of events as it happens via our live blog. Numbers 'not dropping fast enough to allow Christmas meetings' Better progress needs to be made in tackling Covid19 if people are to meet friends and family over Christmas, a public health expert has said. Professor Linda Bauld said case numbers are not going down quickly enough despite the current restrictions and warned it is "difficult" to look ahead to a period where people might be able to see others who are not from their household indoors. It's disappointing to here but her concerns come the day after daily deaths of coronavirus patients in Scotland reached a six-month high after 64. It is vital we all play our part and follow the official guidance to keep eveyone safe If you think trusted, fact-checked Scottish journalism is worth protecting, please consider taking out a subscription from as little as £3 a month. Pubs 'will not survive Christmas' Pubs. Remember them? We miss them. Pubs and restaurants will not survive Christmas unless they are allowed to stay open until 10pm, according to an industry body. The Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG), has urged the Scottish Government to change rules in Levels 2 and 3 of the coronavirus restrictions. It has also demanded the Scottish Government publishes the scientific evidence behind its decision-making. Now more than ever we must support our local shops and bars. If you have some spare cash, spend it locally with an independent business. Join our campaign to #SupportScotland The population is booming in these areas of Scotland The UK Office of National Statistics has released new data on population growth across Britain. In Scotland, the east coast has a strong showing as these 10 areas were found have seen the biggest population increase in the last five years. Popular hotel hits market Fancy escaping Covid for a minute or two? Our property section can help. One of central Scotland’s leading privately owned country house hotels has hit the market. It's nestled in over 12 acres of landscaped gardens and having been owned by the same family for approaching 40 years, it is only their retirement which has prompted the decision to sell this profitable 70-bedroom hotel. If you've got the (considerable) funds at your disposal, a new life as a luxury hotel owner could be yours. Stay safe, Sam Shedden, [email protected] | 