TIMELINE: Looking back on the key events of the past year as coronavirus lockdown anniversary marked with National Day of Reflection

Today marks one year since lockdown measures were imposed across the UK, changing the way we live our lives.

On March 23 2020, both Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon addressed the public with a message – stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

At that point, the number of cases of Covid-19 and deaths were relatively low, but growing at an alarming rate.

And over the weeks and months to come, the grim and harsh reality of coronavirus would leave a devastating impact on families and communities across the country.

On the anniversary of the lockdown announcement, a National Day of Reflection has given an opportunity to look back on a year like no other.

A minute’s silence was held at noon on Tuesday while prominent buildings and landmarks will be illuminated including the Kelpies, Wallace Monument and Ness Bridge.

People are encouraged to stand on their doorsteps with phones, candles and torches at 8pm to signify a “beacon of remembrance”.

The UK death toll stands at over 126,000, with the latest figures in Scotland showing a total of 7,559 deaths of people who had tested positive for Covid-19.

There is hope on the horizon though, as the vaccine rollout continues apace and dates are pencilled in for the easing of restrictions.

In our interactive timeline below, look back at the key dates and events across the year as the pandemic response developed, as well as what we can expect in the coming months.

The figures

Seven deaths of coronavirus patients have been recorded in Scotland in the past 24 hours, according to the latest official figures.

There were 495 new cases in the same period with a daily test positivity rate of 3.6%, down slightly from 3.7% on Monday.

The death toll under the measure used for the daily figures – of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days – is now 7,559.

Scottish Government figures also indicate 341 people in hospital are confirmed to have the virus – down 12 in 24 hours – and of these, 28 patients are in intensive care, down five.

A total of 2,214,672 people received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination as of 7.30am on Tuesday and 235,671 have received their second dose.