Scotland has been in lockdown for five long months but there are positive signs that life is slowly returning to some kind of normality.
The priority during the pandemic has always been to save lives and protect the economy as much as possible.
Now ministers are ready to allow more sports and entertainment to resume.
Gyms and leisure centres will be open by the end of the month and we’ll also see bingo halls and amusement arcades back in business.
But the biggest date on the calendar for many will be September 14 when football grounds should be able to welcome back fans.
Each stadium will be operating with a much reduced capacity and social distancing will be expected.
Yet for thousands of Scots the chance to cheer on their heroes in person once again will be a source of genuine excitement.
It goes without saying that fans will have to be on their best behaviour.
The Scottish Government has already shown it won’t tolerate clubs who don’t stick to the rules – as Aberdeen and Celtic have found to their cost.
So while the return of crowds is welcome, there’s no room for complacency when it’s time for kick-off.
It’s down to supporters of all teams to ensure they play onside when turnstiles reopen.
Scotland’s football clubs can’t afford another call-off.
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