In a video posted on social media, Scotland’s top minister appears to be not wearing a face mask while visiting a barber shop in East Kilbride, south Lanarkshire, on Saturday. There is currently a legal requirement to wear a mask in most indoor public spaces in Scotland, including shops, public transport and hair salons, due to COVID-19. In the video, Ms. Sturgeon appears to be unmasked as she meets clients and strokes a man’s head in a barber chair while mimicking the sound of an electric razor. In a separate video posted on her official Twitter account, Ms. Sturgeon wears a tartan face mask for her visit to Iconic Gents Hair, in which she appears to be shaving a man’s beard. Image: Police receive a complaint about footage that apparently immortalizes Ms. Sturgeon violating COVID rules A Scottish police spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have received a complaint which is currently being evaluated.” The legal requirement to use a face mask indoors in Scotland will be lifted on Monday. However, the Scottish Government is urging people to continue wearing them where needed. Responding to the reports, an SNP spokesman said: “The first minister was invited to the barbershop during an outdoor road visit. “Within seconds, she realized she had not put on her mask again and put it on immediately.” Scotland Conservative spokeswoman Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP said: “The video clearly shows that Nicola Sturgeon is not doing what she preaches in face masks. “She is happy to signal for official photos, but behind closed doors, it is clear that she does not believe in her own rules, so why should anyone else do it.” Dr Gulhane continued: “The public, which has been under these COVID legal restrictions for over two years, deserves an apology for this breach of the rule.” Ms Sturgeon had previously apologized in December 2020 for violating COVID rules by removing her face mask at a funeral, describing it as a “stupid mistake”. The Scottish Government said Saturday’s incident involving the first minister was an issue for the party.
