In an open letter to the First Minister, the group of leaders claim there is no evidence churches have led to the spread of the virus and suggest closing them is “unlawful”.

They go on to accuse the Scottish Government of “failing” to understand that Christian worship is an “essential public service”.

The letter says: “We understand entirely the exceptional difficulties of leading the country at the present time and we and our churches have prayed for wisdom and clarity for your government repeatedly.