SOUTH Ayrshire will be placed into full lockdown by the end of this week as Level 4 is announced.

Nicola Sturgeon has today confirmed that the whole local authority area will see the toughest restrictions imposed under the Scottish Government five-tier lockdown system.

The new restrictions will be devastating for the hospitality, hair and beauty and fitness and leisure industries.

The First Minister today confirmed the move to Level 4 for South Ayrshire.

All bars, restaurants and cafes will have to close from 6pm on Friday, as will non-essential shops.

Supermarkets will stay open as they are considered essential shops.

For hotels and holiday accommodation, venues will be closed to tourism, but hotels, B&Bs and self-catering can remain open for essential customers.

The announcement spells further disruption to the hair and beauty industry, as hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, spa services, tattoo and piercing shops will all be closed.

Fitness and leisure will also be hammered by restrictions with all gyms forced to shut.

South Ayrshire has seen a rapid spike in cases since the start of November. 

Between November 8 to November 14 there have been 193 positive cases of coronavirus. 

It was confirmed last week that there were eight deaths from COVID-19 in South Ayrshire between November 2 and November 8 bringing the total to 127, with these figures updated on Wednesday.

Both South Ayrshire and East Ayrshire presented 'grounds for continued and significant concern' the First Minister said.

Nicola Sturgeon added: "Level 4 is intended to be short and sharp. And in this situation, it is specifically intended to have an impact in advance of Christmas and the most challenging winter period."