BAE Systems has made the gesture of donating computer devices to Glasgow hospitals.

The defence giant said it has gifted 40 tablet devices to support patients and staff of the NHS Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The company said the devices are to help patients in isolation remain in contact with family and friends and “provide a vital connection to what matters most in their lives”.

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It follows an earlier donations of over 9,000 face shields straight to NHS hospitals and trusts, hospices and care homes across Scotland.

John Stuart, NHSGGC’s chief nurse (North Sector), said: “We are so grateful to our friends at BAE Systems for this generous donation.

“These tablets will open up new opportunities for our patients to get online, use the internet and stay informed. Both here at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and at the Queen Elizabeth, our patients will get a great deal of enjoyment from the Kindle Fires.

“On behalf of both staff and patients within the GRI and QEU hospitals we extend our thanks and appreciation to BAE Systems.”

Steve Timms, BAE Systems Naval Ships Managing Director, said: “We are really pleased that our donation of face shields and tablet devices will make a difference to the staff and patients at the hospitals and care homes in our communities.

“Like the rest of the country we have been struck by the bravery and commitment of our frontline health workers and the role that technology can play in helping patients connect with their loved ones. We are continuing to work with local charities and organisations to see where we can provide support where it’s needed most.”

Tourism minister Fergus Ewing has said he is committed to listening to business concerns over exiting lockdown.

It comes after the Scottish Tourism Alliance wrote to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week following the announcement of the Scottish Government route map to ease restrictions on lockdown.

The STA said it believes some businesses could open sooner than anticipated under the route map.

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Mr Ewing has now responded: “I am committed to listening to business concerns as we explore how best to continue to provide support during this crisis.

"As you know the Scottish Government has provided an unprecedented level of support, however I am aware that gaps still exist.

"I am continuing to work with colleagues to look at further options, and to lobby the UK Government on the range of issues you outline, and to seek further support."

The STA is calling for the government to enable certain parts of the tourism economy to open sooner than has been set out in the route map for example, self-catering, sailing, caravan parks and hotels "providing they are able to demonstrate that they can conform to the agreed standards and protocols in a way that protects both their employees and customers".

It also wants provision of an urgent support package in the short term to stop more businesses from closing and making employees redundant and a long-term package of specific support for the tourism sector due to loss of revenue from remaining closed during the high season as detailed in the route map.

Scotland must avoid scenes of overcrowding on public transport as the lockdown eases, Scottish Labour has said.

With a "transport transition" plan due to be published on Tuesday, the party says trains and buses must have screens and other safety measures in place to protect staff and passengers.

The use of face coverings on public transport could become mandatory under this plan, but it is currently unclear if masks will be handed out to passengers.

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The need to ensure physical distancing means capacity on individual buses and trains will be around 10% to 25% of usual numbers.

When the lockdown was eased in England earlier this month, Tubes and buses in London were packed with commuters.

Scottish Labour's transport spokesman Colin Smyth said such scenes must be avoided north of the border.

He said: "Passenger numbers are already beginning to rise, and that will accelerate as the lockdown is eased from this week.

"We cannot have a repeat of the scenes we saw in England with overcrowding, as people went back to work.

"It's clear the Government has no intention of implementing physical changes on our buses and trains such as removing seats, so they need to spell out how they will actually achieve social distancing in a way that is enforceable and safe for passengers and workers."

He continued: "That has to include assurances that the resources will be provided for physical safety measures such as screens.

"The Government also needs a more definitive position on face coverings. If passengers are being told they must wear them to travel, then they should be available free at stations and stops.

"If the Government has no intention of providing PPE in a comprehensive way for transport workers, then we need to know how they will be protected.

"There are serious questions about how the Government is going to keep passengers and staff safe, and Scottish Labour will continue to demand answers."

The transport plan is due to be published following a statement to the Scottish Parliament by Transport Secretary Michael Matheson on Tuesday.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: "The plan will be dynamic and regularly updated and will be aligned to the route map to transition out of lockdown set out by the First Minister last week.

"We have been engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in its development including operators, Cosla, unions, Regional Transport Partnerships and other stakeholders.

"We know that capacity on our public transport system will remain limited as a result of the need to maintain physical distancing and guidance for public transport users and operators is a key element of the plan to keep public transport safe."

He continued: "This guidance is one of a series being issued by the Scottish Government across different sectors.

"It will assist transport operators and their workforce in the provision of safe operations during the coronavirus pandemic.

"It will also set out advice for users, businesses and organisations when considering when to travel and how staff will travel to work, as we transition through the phases of the route map."