Nicola Sturgeon has been reported to police after footage apparently captured her breaching Scotland’s COVID face mask measures during the council election campaign trial.
In a video posted on social media, Scotland’s first minister appears to not be wearing a face covering while visiting a barber’s in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, on Saturday.
There is currently a legal requirement to wear a mask in most indoor public places in Scotland, including shops, public transport and hairdressers, due to COVID-19.
In the video, Ms Sturgeon appears to be seen without a face covering as she mingles with customers and pats the head of a man in a barber’s chair while mimicking the sound of an electric razor.
In a separate video posted to her official Twitter account, Ms Sturgeon wears a tartan face mask for her visit to Iconic Gents Hair, in which she can be seen shaving a man’s beard.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have received a complaint which is currently being assessed.”
The legal requirement to wear a face mask in indoor settings in Scotland will lift on Monday.
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However, the Scottish Government is urging people to continue to wear them where appropriate.
In response to the reports, an SNP spokesman 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.”
Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP said: “The video clearly shows Nicola Sturgeon isn’t practising what she preaches on face masks.
“She’s happy virtue signalling for official photos but behind closed doors, it’s clear she doesn’t believe in her own rules so why should anyone else.”
Dr Gulhane continued: “The public, who have been under these legal COVID restrictions for over two years, deserve an apology for this rule break.”
Ms Sturgeon previously apologised in December 2020 after she breached COVID rules by taking off her face mask at a funeral wake, describing it as a “stupid mistake”.
The Scottish Government said Saturday’s incident involving the first minister was an issue for the party.
