Tony Blair has slammed people who are still refusing to get the coronavirus vaccine as "idiots" with concerns growing over the spread of the Omicron variant.
His comments come after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced new restrictions to halt the spread of Omicron which is now the dominant variant in Scotland.
Traditional Hogmanay celebrations will be cancelled and live sports will be "effectively spectator-free" for three weeks from Boxing Day as part of new Covid-19 restrictions, Sturgeon said on Tuesday.
He added: "Frankly, if you're not vaccinated at the moment and you're eligible, and you've got no health reasons for not being unvaccinated, you're not just irresponsible.
"This Omicron variant is so contagious, if you're unvaccinated and you're unvaccinated, you're going to get it.
"We shouldn't target these people who are unvaccinated in a heavy-handed way but we should try to go after them and persuade them.".
He added: "Honestly, it's in their own interest, nevermind the public interest, for them to get vaccinated.". »