Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has apologised after she was pictured breaching coronavirus rules by taking off her face mask at a funeral wake.

A photograph, published by the Scottish Sun, shows Ms Sturgeon chatting to three women in a bar while standing at a distance but not wearing a mask.

Face coverings for customers and staff are mandatory when entering, exiting and moving around hospitality venues under Scottish regulations.

Those who breach the face covering rules can be fined up to £60.

Ms Sturgeon was at the Stable Bar and Restaurant after attending a funeral for a Scottish government civil servant, the Scottish Sun reported.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Last Friday, while attending a funeral wake, I had my mask off briefly. This was a stupid mistake and I’m really sorry.

“I talk every day about the importance of masks, so I’m not going to offer any excuses.

“I was in the wrong, I’m kicking myself, and I’m sorry.”

A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: “The first minister should know better.

“By forgetting the rules and failing to set a proper example, she’s undermining essential public health messaging.

“It’s a blunder that an ordinary member of the public wouldn’t get away with. There cannot be one rule for Nicola Sturgeon and another for everyone else.”

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Scotland’s Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted: “FM has approached pandemic by being upfront from v beginning.

“She has apologised for accidental lapse (which I suspect most of us have had one over last 9 months).

“I’ve known her for 15yrs & she is her harshest critic. I am sure most ppl will understand, accept apology & move on.”

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