The Omicron variant has been detected in Ayrshire, according to statistics published earlier today by the Scottish Government.

Reportedly, there has been one case the new strain of the virus in the NHS Ayrshire and Arran health board area.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran have been contacted for comment.

Ayr Advertiser: A screenshot from the Governemnt's data setA screenshot from the Governemnt's data set

The First Minister is to hold a Covid briefing tomorrow as cases of the new, highly infectious variant spreads.

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted she can’t rule out fresh Covid restrictions amid fears over the new mutation.

A total of 71 cases of the variant have been confirmed in Scotland since recording began on November 30.

On Sunday, parents at a Paisley school were told that the school would be shut for a week due to a suspected outbreak of the Omicron variant.