Lockdowns were a blunt but necessary tool to keep Covid infections from spiralling out of control when the pandemic first broke out last year.
But forcing people to stay at home – away from friends and family – was always going to come at a cost, particularly for those coming of age in such an uncertain world.
Schools closed outside of holidays for the first time in history while colleges demanded students switch to online learning.
It was no easier for young adults who had left education and were trying to find a job.
The hospitality trade – which has traditionally relied on younger staff – was kept closed for much of last year.
When all that’s considered, it’s no surprise to learn that many young Scots are struggling with their mental health.
What’s shocking is the length of time youngsters are being forced to wait to access specialist treatment services.
At the end of March, 11,007 young people were waiting to be seen and just 49 per cent of them had waited fewer than the Government’s 18-week standard for 90 per cent of patients.
However, 18.3 per cent of them had waited more than a year – 2012 children desperately in need of specialist help.
Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to lead the NHS back to full strength as the country moves beyond the pandemic.
It’s vital her government also ensures Scotland’s mental health services are fit for purpose.
We can’t leave young Scots waiting so long for much-needed help.
Tartan specials
The club football season is over and now we can all turn our attention to the event of the summer – the Euros.
Scotland’s return to the big-time international stage has been too long in coming.
The wait for top-class tournament football since 1998 has been agony for the Tartan Army.
But the start of Euro 2020 is almost here and the players who carry the hopes of a nation on their shoulders are raring to go.
Tonight sees the first warm-up game in the build-up to the tournament, a tricky match against the Netherlands.
All eyes will be on Steve Clarke’s men from now on. We’ll be kicking every ball.
Captain Andy Robertson and the boys know they will have the whole of the country rooting for them when the Euros kick off.
Come on Scotland!
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