A Covid-19 testing centre has opened in Dumbarton for the first time after pressure was put on health chiefs to give residents easier access to screening.

The mobile testing unit, staffed by Scottish Ambulance personnel, is located at the Meadow Centre in the town's Meadows Road and opened its doors on Thursday.

The move follows the annoucement from the First Minister of restrictions in West Dunbartonshire which were put in place on Tuesday night prohibiting household gatherings.

The centre will operate on alternate days, including weekends and will be available, by appointment only, as a drive through, for testing between 10am and 5pm.

See more: Pandemic restrictions in Dumbarton and the Vale now in force

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, has been calling for a local testing site in Dumbarton, the Vale and the surrounding area for weeks after residents were left with no choice but to travel outside West Dunbartonshire to take the test.

She said: “Given the new restrictions applied to West Dunbartonshire, I am delighted that there’s a mobile testing centre now sited at the Meadow Centre, but this is no substitute for permanent facilities whether they be in Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven or Helensburgh.

“It is disappointing, though, that it has taken this length of time, and a sharp increase in coronavirus cases in the area, to get the mobile testing unit.”

Anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms - a new and persistent dry cough, a change in their sense of smell or taste, or a fever - should self-isolate for 14 days, should log onto the NHS Inform website and follow the instructions provided to book a test.

Other members of the household should also self-isolate for 14 days but only need a test if they show symptoms.

Tests will only be carried out if an appointment has been made through NHS Inform.