The Scottish first minister, who has repeatedly told the nation to use face coverings indoors to limit the spread of the coronavirus, said she was “kicking herself” after a photograph was published in The Scottish Sun newspaper.
The image showed her talking at a distance to three women in a bar without the covering, in breach of Scotland’s rules for hospitality venues.
At the time, Ms Sturgeon had been attending the funeral wake of a member of the Scottish government’s civil service.
In a statement she said: “Last Friday, while attending a funeral wake, I had my mask off briefly. This was a stupid mistake and I’m really sorry.
“I talk every day about the importance of masks, so I’m not going to offer any excuses.
“I was in the wrong, I’m kicking myself, and I’m sorry.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Conservative party said the first minister “should know better”
“By forgetting the rules and failing to set a proper example, she’s undermining essential public health messaging”, they added.
“It’s a blunder that an ordinary member of the public wouldn’t get away with. There cannot be one rule for Nicola Sturgeon and another for everyone else.”
Under Scotland’s rules face coverings are mandatory for all staff and customers when walking inside a venue.
The rules state: “There is an exemption for when customers are seated for the service of food and drink and for back of house roles such as kitchen staff or staff who are behind protective screens separating them from customers.”
Those who breach the face covering rules can face a £60 fine.
Additional reporting by agencies
