This is how many Scottish households can get together at Christmas, MSPs told

Four different households will effectively be allowed to get together for Christmas family gatherings this year, MSPs have been told. [View email online]( [Subscribe]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [The Scotsman] Nov 26, 2020 Good morning, Welcome to Thursday. Support Scottish journalism today and [try out a subscription]([here.]( There are no obligations and you will gain unlimited access to thousands of Scottish stories a month. Household gatherings over Christmas Different households will effectively be allowed to get together for Christmas family gatherings in Scotland this year, MSPs have been told. Official guidance that has been published by the Scottish Government reveals that existing "extended households" will count as one under the special arrangements for the festive season. [Find out what this means for your family and how many households can meet, here.]( Is Nicola Sturgeon happy with the Christmas Covid-19 restrictions? Nicola Sturgeon has known for months now – and has warned the public as such – that the Christmas period in 2020 would be anything but normal. Given the political suicide it would be to effectively ‘ban Christmas’, it also comes as no surprise there is a move to relax restrictions, even if just for a handful of days, writes [Conor Matchett.]( [In an analysis piece, Conor asks is the First Minister really happy with the Christmas Covid-19 restrictions?]( 'It's just heartbreaking' A delivery man spotted a heartbreaking hand-written message posted in a window from a pensioner who recently lost his dog to cancer. David Macleod has been delivering supermarket goods to the elderly man in question, who lives in West Kilbride, for the last six years. David has since found a ‘notice’ in windows and on a bus shelter in the town believed to be written by the grief-stricken pensioner saying: “Small dog for company. Lost my dog to cancer, do not feel well without him. Jack Russell Cairn.” [Read the full, and heartbreaking, story here.]( Thanks for reading, [Sam Shedden](, sam.shedden@jpimedia.co.uk [Four Scots households can get together at Christmas, MSPs told]( Four different households will effectively be allowed to get together for Christmas family gatherings this year, MSPs have been told. [{$escapedtitle}]( [Article Image]( ['It's just heartbreaking' - Scottish delivery man finds note from elderly customer mourning death of his pet dog]( A delivery man who works for Iceland spotted a heartbreaking hand-written message posted in a window from a pensioner who recently lost his dog to cancer. [Article Image]( [Black Friday 2020 live: all the best deals, updated as they're announced]( It's the biggest shopping day on the calendar – and now the Black Friday sales have already started in earnest. Here's our round-up of the best deals now on. Promoted by scotsman [Article Image]( [SNP leadership must not react to democratic dissent within party ranks like Soviet Communists – Kenny MacAskill]( An SNP conference of sorts will take place this weekend. As with other parties, it’s going virtual and it’ll be a far cry from the gatherings that normally take place. [Article Image]( [Analysis: Is Nicola Sturgeon happy with the Christmas Covid-19 restrictions?]( Nicola Sturgeon has known for months now – and has warned the public as such – that the Christmas period in 2020 would be anything but normal. [Article Image]( [‘Covid doesn’t like wrapping paper’ but you should watch your roast potatoes, says Jason Leitch]( Scotland’s clinical director has told the Scottish public not to worry about spreading coronavirus through wrapping presents but advised against having a communal bowl for roast potatoes. [Article Image]( [Scottish Government loses another Holyrood vote on Salmond legal advice]( The Scottish Government has lost a second vote in Holyrood demanding the release of the legal advice in the Alex Salmond case. [Dave Lewis]( [The best online Christmas party games and activities for Zoom - from wine tasting to murder mystery]( These ideas are easy for an online office party or an Xmas do with friends and family [Dave Lewis]( [Scottish pub where crowds of football fans were seen hugging after Scotland Serbia win has licence extended]( A pub in the north east that received a swathe of complaints after crowds of football fans were seen celebrating the Scotland vs Serbia win has had its temporary licence extended. [Dave Lewis]( [Rangers' James Tavernier tips team-mate wanted by Leeds United for EPL move - and why he would succeed]( Rangers captain James Tavernier reckons Ryan Kent is set to star in the English Premier League – but hopefully after this season. [Dave Lewis]( [Rangers ace tipped to REJECT deal, Celtic chief 'met' with ex-EPL boss touted as Lennon REPLACEMENT, Gerrard eyes MORE Ibrox signings, Ex-Parkhead star hits out at 'idiot' fans - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill]( It's another big European night for Scottish football and Celtic and Rangers. [Dave Lewis]( [Revealed! The market value of every Scottish Premiership squad ranked - and how the Old Firm measure up]( They say money talks, and nowhere is that statement truer than in professional football. [Dave Lewis]( [Steven Gerrard hits back at 'cheap' criticism of how Rangers react to major victories]( Rangers manager Steven Gerrard admits he and his players “have got it wrong at times” with their response to high profile wins achieved so far during his tenure. [View more news]( You have received this email as you are opted in to newsletters from The Scotsman, published by JPIMedia Publishing Ltd. To manage your individual newsletter preferences with us, please [click here]( and log in to your account. Alternatively you can [update]( your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive from JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, or [unsubscribe]( from all future emails. JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with registered number 11499982, having its registered address at 1, King Street, London, England, EC2V 8AU, United Kingdom. We will process your personal data in accordance with our [privacy policy](.