​North Ayrshire will remain at level three of the Scottish Government's coronavirus restrictions. 

The authority is the only region in Ayrshire to remain the same, with East and South Ayrshire being upgraded to level four from Friday for a limited period. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says there are signs of progress in North Ayrshire, and is quietly confident that the area could move to level two if the situation continues to improve.

Eleven local authorities are moving into level four restrictions from 6pm on Friday, which will see only essential retail remain open. 

North Ayrshire remains in level three alongside Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Inverclyde, Dundee, Fife, Perth and Kinross and Angus. 

The First Minister said: "These areas, to varying degrees, are all making some progress, although it remains fragile. 

"However, if the progress continues, we are hopeful that they will move to level two soon."

Areas moving to level four include the City of Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Dunbartonshire, and both East and South Ayrshire.