Nicola Sturgeon has shared a photograph of her hugging a fan on the campaign trail last year reminding people that when the covid outbreak is over we should never again take something as simple as a cuddle for granted.
In the tweet, showing a pic from the General Election trail last year, The First Minister can be seen embracing a woman in red as they both smile emphatically.
The photo Ms Sturgeon explained, is like "glimpsing a bygone world".
Posting on her official account, she spoke of the covid outbreak's long lasting effects on the country, she said: "This photo was taken a year ago today on the general election campaign trail. It’s like glimpsing a bygone world.
"Covid has robbed us of so much. When it’s over - as it eventually will be - we should never again take for granted something as simple as giving someone a hug."
One Twitter user replied: "Touch is so important - and so missed. I live alone, and work from home. I can go for days and days without speaking to a real person.
"But I am responsible for staff in care homes who come to work day on day, despite their fears and anxieties, and I am in awe of their commitment!"
While another pointed out that due to the fact the Scottish and UK governments hadn't implemented robust and consistent testing, they hadn't been able hold their mum's hand, or give her a hug since the end of February.
One person added that the harm being done by denying touch "is appalling".
The First Minister recently agreed with the UK Government's plans for Christmas 'bubbles', meaning festive gatherings will be set at eight people over 12 years old in Scotland - and households should stay two metres apart indoors.
The rules for Scotland, published on Thursday morning, stated so-called 'bubbles' will be capped at three households.
Health secretary Jeane Freeman has also explained that the Scottish government were still taking possible plans for an extension of the school holidays over the festive period under consideration.
The minster stated that a recovery group has looked at a range of education issues and will come to their conclusions but insisted a decision had not been reached.
