Aftertheyear thatwas, let’s celebratethe knowledgeit’s almostover

So we have made it to the end of this strange and difficult year. I had hoped we would be toasting the New Year with relief in our hearts that the worst is over. Instead, it feels like we have finished a marathon only to be told that, actually, you entered an iron man competition and still have a 10-mile swim and a bike ride up a mountain to go.

Still, we’ve come this far and if 2020 has taught us anything it’s that we humans are a resilient bunch.

We’ve all had to find our own ways of coping during this pandemic which, judging by my Facebook page, has mostly involved watching Netflix, jumping into freezing-cold lochs and buying puppies.

Actress Doon Mackichan, who returns to our screens tomorrow night in a Two Doors Down festive special, is one of those hardy souls who discovered the mental health benefits of wild swimming during lockdown.

On pages 6& 7, she reflects on an unsettling year which saw her having to claim Universal Credit when her work dried up but says her cold water hobby helped save her sanity.

This week we honour another of comedy’s finest, Sir Billy Connolly, who takes his final bow in a Hogmanay TV tribute ( pages 18& 19).

It’s inspiring to hear Billy talk about how grateful he is for his amazing 50- year career, rather than dwelling on his failing health.

Hopefully we can all take a leaf out of Billy’s book and count our blessings as we leave 2020 behind.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year when it comes.