The BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron now makes up more than 80% of coronavirus cases in Scotland and appears to have become dominant faster than in England.
The strain has a faster rate of transmission than the original version of Omicron though it is not thought to lead to more severe illness.
Nicola Sturgeon discussed the rapid spread of BA.2 during her update on Thursday, saying it was behind the recent increase in cases.