The latest figures on Covid-19 in Argyll and Bute have been published as infection rates increase across the area.

Public Health Scotland said there were 689 confirmed positive Covid tests in Argyll and Bute in the seven days to September 4, a seven-day rate per 100,000 population of 806.5, a rise on last week's figure of 760.9.

The National Records of Scotland, the government's statistics agency, said there were no further deaths linked to Covid-19 in the area during the week to September 5.

That is a decrease in last week's death figures which saw one death related to Covid-19.

It means that the number of people who have died from Covid in the local authority in 2021 remains at 24.

The total number of Covid-related deaths recorded in the area is 110 from when the pandemic began last March.

Vaccination rates are currently very high in Argyll and Bute, with thousands of older residents 100 per cent vaccinated.

Every person aged 30-39 has had a first dose in Argyll and Bute, with 81.9 per cent receiving their second.

In the 18-29 age bracket, 83.9 per cent have had their first dose and 59.7 per cent have had their second.

Nationally, Scotland has recorded 58 coronavirus-related deaths in the past week, a rise of 10 from 48 the previous week.

It means that as of Sunday, 10,612 deaths have now been registered in Scotland with Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate.

The National Records of Scotland statistics are published weekly and cover all deaths registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

They differ from the lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths announced daily by the Scottish Government because the NRS figures include suspected or probable cases of Covid-19.