A SCOTTISH health board has made an “urgent” appeal to people who may have visited a cocktail bar in Stirling to get tested for Covid-19 after a positive case of the Indian variant was linked to it.

NHS Forth Valley urged people to get a free PCR test to find out if they have the coronavirus after “a number of cases” were linked to the Tingle bar in King Street, Stirling.

The health board said the appeal is aimed at people who visited the bar between May 21 and May 26 and warned that this includes “a number of students from several educational establishments”.

NHS Forth Valley consultant in public health, Dr Henry Prempeh, said: “It is vitally important that we contact these young people to help prevent further spread, particularly as one case of the variant first detected in India, has been recorded amongst the positive cases.

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“This variant is highly transmissible and we are working closely with environmental health colleagues from Stirling Council and our local Test and Protect team to stem this outbreak.

“Please continue to follow all guidance from NHS Forth Valley’s Test and Protect team and if you are identified as a close contact, please self-isolate and get a PCR test.

“Even if your test is negative you must continue to isolate for 10 days as advised.”

NHS Forth Valley PCR Covid-19 testing is available at the Engine Shed behind Stirling railway station and at the University of Stirling campus and can be booked through NHS Inform on 0800 028 2816.

Tests can also be booked by visiting the Covid-19 testing section of the UK Government’s website here. Individuals should select the option: “I’ve been told to get a test by my local council, health protection team or healthcare professional” when prompted.