Nicola Sturgeon spoken to by police over face mask breach
Police Scotland has confirmed the First Minister will face no further action
Last updated 18th Apr 2022
Police officers have spoken to Nicola Sturgeon after she was filmed apparently breaching Scotland's face mask rules on the council election campaign trail.
They reminded the First Minister of the importance of wearing a face covering when there was a legal requirement to do so.
The force added it was satisfied that no further action was necessary.
Footage shared on social media showed the First Minister without a mask in an East Kilbride barber shop on Saturday.
READ MORE: Wearing face coverings no longer legal requirement in Scotland
The SNP said Ms Sturgeon realised she was not wearing a mask "within a few seconds" of entering the shop at the weekend.
The legal requirement to wear face coverings or masks in crowded indoor places and on public transport.
In a statement, Ms Sturgeon said: "On Saturday, while campaigning outdoors in East Kilbride I was invited into a local barber shop. After a few seconds of being in the shop, I realised I had forgotten to put my face covering back on. I then immediately put it on.
"However, I accept that not wearing a face covering even for a few seconds was an error on my part and I am sorry for that.
"Having received complaints about the matter, Police Scotland made contact with me."
READ MORE: Sturgeon 'confident' most Scots will continue wearing masks after easing
The First Minister added: "This is what they would have done with anyone else in these circumstances, and they were absolutely right to treat me no differently to any other citizen.
"I explained that the error was inadvertent and the police have confirmed that the matter is closed.
"While the law no longer requires face coverings to be worn, I will continue to do so in circumstances where this can help reduce the risk of infection, and I encourage everyone to do likewise."
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Police Scotland said in a statement: "Local officers have spoken to the First Minister to remind her of the importance of wearing a face covering when there is a legal requirement to do so.
"Given the circumstances of this incident, Police Scotland is satisfied that no further action is necessary. This is in line with our proportionate approach throughout the pandemic."
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