While the covid pandemic is reaching crisis point again on continental Europe it comes as some relief that additional measures do not need to be introduced in Scotland.
It appears from the latest figures that the spread of the virus had stabilised with the average number of new cases recorded each day falling by about three per cent over the past week.
As a result the Scottish cabinet decided not to extend the covid vaccine passport scheme, and even reverse it in key areas.
A greater relief comes for the whole hospitality trade which can go into the busiest season of the year free from the responsibility of checking the covid status of drinkers and diners. This will be a massive boost to the industry.
But packed pubs, shops and parties bring risks.
Covid has not gone away and the dangers of transmission in indoor venues is the same as it ever was.
That is why the emphasis has shifted to personal responsibility and on to the duty to get vaccinated and to test, test, test our way through winter.
The best advice, to test twice a week, has now been upgraded to testing whenever you face the prospect of being in company or being in a crowded situation.
Some may find testing a hassle but compared to contracting covid it is a minor inconvenience. To respect the health of others and our own it is the best and right thing to do.
The alternatives, in terms of health and regulations, could be far worse for everyone.
Back Blair’s bid to end conversion therapy
The attempt to make someone change their sexuality known as conversion therapy is an outrage.
It is welcome that all parties in Holyrood made a manifesto commitment to ban the homophobic practice.
Blair Anderson claims he was left traumatised by being forced by his family to “fix” his sexuality.
He has been diagnosed with PTSD and takes medication to cope with the impact of growing up under pressure to deny who he is.
As a teenager when Blair should be enjoying life, he felt ashamed and confused.
Social justice secretary Shona Robison has said the practices associated with conversion therapy are “harmful, discriminatory, and have no place in our society”.
She is right. Conversion therapy is intolerable and the Scottish Government should do all they can to save young people like Blair from further harm.
