A vaccine for coronavirus with a 90 per cent success rate could be available in weeks.
Hopes the world could return to some kind of normality from spring surged after its makers called it “a great day for science and humanity”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
And the news was welcomed locally too, with politicians from across the divide speaking of their hope for the vaccine.
Outgoing East Kilbride MSP, Linda Fabiani, called the development an “important scientific breakthrough,” but urged caution going forward.
She told us: “Whilst it is extremely early days, the Scottish Government have been working for some time with other nations on the rollout of a potential vaccine.
“I urge caution however - the next few days and indeed weeks will give us a clearer picture hopefully of which groups will be vaccinated and when.”
New weekly cases of coronavirus in Lanarkshire fell for the second consecutive week this week, but more than 15,000 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 in the region.
The total number of new COVID cases in the region for week beginning November 2 was 1803 - 198 less than the previous week.
Last week, the rate of decreasing in new cases across the region fell to 9.8 per cent after reducing by 26.4 per cent in the previous week.
New cases of coronavirus in Lanarkshire peaked at 2719 in the week beginning October 19.
Conservative list MSP, Graham Simpson, also welcomed the announcement and said it “could be the news we’ve all been desperately waiting to hear”.
He called it “an early Christmas present for everyone who has sacrificed so much over the last eight months”.
Mr Simpson added: “It offers a glimmer of hope that we can soon move forward and together we can get back to a form of normality, maybe even a little faster than expected.
“It’s not yet clear exactly when this vaccine will be available, but I hope work on a rollout plan is accelerated and by working together, the UK and Scottish governments are ready to introduce it as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Labour’s spokeswoman for health, Monica Lennon said the roll out of the vaccine, should it come, would have to be handled “better” than that of this year’s flu vaccination.
The MSP said that had “caused a lot of confusion and uncertainty for patients, especially the elderly” and asked that a repeat of that is not witnessed in Lanarkshire.
Ms Lennon added: “This is very positive and encouraging news, and something we should all welcome.
“The Scottish Government must ensure our health boards stand ready to receive and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available, and avoid the chaos that has plagued the flu vaccination programme.
“We need a robust delivery plan for the vaccine in the national interest, including identifying priority patients, sufficient cold storage facilities and enough staff to administer the vaccine.
“The NHS is under tremendous strain and will need all available support to ensure every area of Scotland can be reached, including access to rural areas and the use of mobile units when needed.”
