COVID-19 case numbers in Argyll and Bute in the seven days up to Saturday were among the lowest in the whole of Scotland.

However, Helensburgh and Lomond accounted for almost two thirds of the region's total over the week-long period.

Figures released by Public Health Scotland reveal that there were 15,280 positive cases in the country between December 27 and January 2; 73 were recorded in Argyll and Bute, with a seven-day test positivity rate of five per cent.

Argyll and Bute's total was the fourth lowest of Scotland's local authorities. Nearby West Dunbartonshire returned 223 positive cases, while Glasgow recorded 1,998 cases and North Lanarkshire 1,373.

READ MORE: 'Stay at home': coronavirus lockdown tightened across Scotland

According to the data, there were 10 positive cases in both Helensburgh East and Garelochhead (the latter of which covers the Rosneath peninsula), nine in Helensburgh West and Rhu, seven in Helensburgh North, six in Lomond Shore, four in Helensburgh Centre and fewer than three in Cowal North, covering Arrochar.

A further 11 deaths relating to coronavirus were confirmed in Scotland in the last 24 hours, taking the nation's total since the start of the pandemic to 4,633.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the new variant is responsible for around half of all new cases.

Keep up with all the latest local and national headlines here