The 11 council areas in Scotland which currently have the toughest Level 4 restrictions will move down one level from Friday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The changes will allow non-essential retail and hospitality to reopen, two weeks ahead of Christmas.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Sturgeon said: "In reaching decisions today, we have had to consider the potential overall impact of moving to a lower level of restrictions at the same time as the Christmas period begins in earnest.
"That has led us to a proportionate but still cautious set of conclusions."