Buy-to-let landlords will be unable to evict private tenants north of the border between 11 December and 22 January.

Eviction proceedings raised after the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic have been banned in Scotland until March 2021, but those raised before the start of the crisis were still permitted to proceed under the current rules.

But speaking in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs that new regulations would now be introduced to go further and prevent evictions raised before the crisis.

The announcement is unlikely to be popular with landlords.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart commented: “We are now taking this additional, temporary step after carefully assessing the unique housing situation created by the pandemic.

“A temporary ban on carrying out evictions will give additional peace of mind to tenants over Christmas and into the new year. It will also prevent additional burdens being placed on health and housing services, during a time where they are already working hard due to the impact of the pandemic.

“It will allow tenants who are facing eviction, and may decide to take the opportunity to form extended bubbles over the festive period in line with relaxed guidance, time to effectively self-isolate afterwards should they come into contact with a positive person.

“Where there is evidence of serious anti-social or criminal behaviour, including in cases of domestic abuse, evictions can still proceed as normal.”