NHS and adult social care staff in Scotland will recieve a one-off payment of £500 to thank them for their hard work during the pandemic. 

The bonus was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the SNP's annual conference. 

It is thought the payment will be given to around 390,000 workers across the county. 

The bonus will also be made available to part time workers will be paid proportionately this financial year.

Mrs Sturgeon said the thank you payment could not match the gratitude the country felt towards key workers. 

She said: “Of course, a payment like this can never come close to expressing our full admiration for those who have cared for us so heroically.

“But to our health and care workers, it is a demonstration of what we collectively owe you - and a heartfelt thank you for the sacrifices you have made."

The First Minister has urged the Prime Minister to allow the Scottish Government to make the payment tax free. 

She said: “Please allow our health and care heroes to keep every penny of Scotland’s thank you to them. Do not take any of it away in tax.”

The Scottish Government said the cost of the payments would be around £180 million.