It’s freedom weekend in Scotland as lockdown restrictions are eased slightly ahead of schedule.
Yesterday’s changes mean families and friends are now able to reunite in parks, gardens and beaches across Scotland after months in lockdown.
We can, at last, cross county lines and travel between council areas to link up with family for the first time since Christmas and savour the great outdoors.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was one of thousands of people heading “home” to see family this weekend.
It is an emotional time for many – and for others, a much needed boost to our sense of wellbeing.
Despite the vaccine roll-out, the success in reducing Covid infections has been mainly due to lockdown and people keeping their distance from each other.
We all have a lot to be proud off in helping limit the spread of this horrendous virus.
But although we now have more freedoms that brings responsibilities as well.
The rules about space, about washing hands and wearing masks, still apply – and going indoors to meet in people’s houses is still not allowed.
That’s for a good reason.
The killer virus is still out there and it is now a greater threat to the younger section of the population, which still hasn’t been vaccinated.
There are also reports of the new Indian variant of the virus circulating in Scotland, with cases already confirmed.
As we change, so the virus tries to adopt new ways of spreading.
Freedom Friday is a welcome respite after months of lockdown.
So we ask our readers to enjoy the sunshine and the great outdoors in Scotland this weekend. But keep yourselves – and others – safe.
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