Pictures show a deserted M8 during 'Rush Hour' as national lockdown comes into force in Scotland

These pictures, taken on the first day of Scotland’s second lockdown, show empty roads during what is usually the rush hour at Hermiston Gait J1 on the M8 into Edinburgh.

Rush Hour at Hermiston Gait J1 of M8 in to Edinburgh is deserted as people stay home under new lockdown travel restrictions

The pictures come as the national lockdown comes into force across Scotland.

Roads which would normally be packed with cars during rush hour are now almost completely empty as Scots return to working from home and staying indoors.

A legally-enforceable stay-at-home order now applies for all of January in all areas currently under Level 4 restrictions - mainland Scotland and Skye.

Rush Hour at Hermiston Gait J1 of M8 in to Edinburgh is deserted as people stay home under new lockdown travel restrictions

People will only be permitted to leave their home for an "essential purpose", such as essential shopping, caring for someone or if they are part of an extended household.

Yesterday, Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland is in “a race between the vaccine and the virus”.

The First Minister stressed the need to act "quickly and decisively" as she said without new measures being introduced hospitals could run out of capacity to deal with coronavirus patients in three to four weeks.

In addition to this, schools will be closed to most pupils until February 1 at the earliest - meaning an additional two weeks of home learning for youngsters.

Rush Hour at Hermiston Gait J1 of M8 in to Edinburgh is deserted as people stay home under new lockdown travel restrictions

Ms Sturgeon tweeted late on Monday night: “Being back in lockdown is really hard to take for everyone, but it is necessary to slow down this new strain of the virus while we get people vaccinated.

“Please – for you own safety, that of your loved ones and of the whole country: Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives.”

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