FAMILIES who have been left frustrated by tougher lockdown measures are being urged “not to have a big party” when the rules are relaxed over Christmas.

There are concerns that last month’s decision to move the local area into Level 4 of coronavirus restrictions will have heightened the desire of people to spend time with loved ones during the festive season.

The Scottish Government announced on Thursday that rules will be eased between Wednesday, December 23, and Sunday, December 27, to allow three households to form a ‘bubble’ that can meet indoors, outdoors or in a place of worship.

However, Professor Jason Leitch, Scotland’s national clinical director, has stressed that the public health advice is to remain cautious, as “the virus will not take Christmas off.”

He added: “We want people to use it to relieve social isolation, not to have a big Christmas party.

“Reserve the Christmas parties for after the vaccine, for after the pandemic.”

Residents have been told to have no more than eight people aged over 12 in any Christmas bubble they form – and these can only include one extended household.

Children under 12 will not be counted towards the total number of people permitted in any grouping.

Those living in shared flats are being urged not to split up from their current housemates, while people who might want to visit a loved one in hospital or a care home are advised to avoid entering any bubble arrangement.

Professor Leitch also said that households in any bubble should remain two metres apart from each other and he warned that sharing items such as serving spoons and cutlery could pose a risk of transmission.