Pleased authorities will allow fans to cheer on the Saints
Recent weeks have seen further relaxing of the Covid-19 restrictions and it has been good to return to some degree of normality.
While face coverings and other extra precautions will be required for some time, I am still hopeful that the First Minister will be able to set out our next steps beyond the Covid level system in anticipation of further relaxation on August 9.
That said, not everyone will feel ready to move at the same pace and there will be some who will still avoid situations which make them feel uncomfortable, which they may once have revelled in. We will all move at our own pace.
Smaller outdoor events are starting up and, while I appreciate that a number of larger events planned for this summer had to cancel due to uncertainty over numbers and government backed insurance, it is still positive that some events are going ahead.
One such event is at St Johnstone FC, who will be able to face opponents Galatasaray SK at McDiarmid Park on Thursday next week after initially being told that they would have to play their third round Europa League qualification match in a neutral venue.
Not only would this have prevented fans from being able to travel to see the game, but it would have come at a significant financial cost to the club.
At a time of such great success for the club, it would have been a real disappointment to have had to play both legs of the match in a third country, as had been suggested by UEFA.
I was pleased to see that all interested parties, including UEFA, the Scottish Government, and the football clubs, were able to come to a reasonable solution and agree on a sporting exemption.
This will mean that Saints will be able to travel to Turkey for the first leg this week and Galatasaray will be able to come and play on the hallowed turf at McDiarmid the following Thursday.
Both teams will face strict restrictions on how they travel to the game and will be subject to rigorous testing.
Fans from Turkey will not be able to travel to Perth for the match, unless already resident in the UK, and the same will apply for Saints fans in Turkey.
The club is yet to announce what plans will be in place for allowing fans into the stadium, but I am hopeful that this will be possible and that an announcement is imminent.
There is a real sense that we are opening back up again, and that does not come without its risks.
Nevertheless, the vaccination programme is working and helping to reduce the number of people with serious complications and the number of deaths from the virus.
There is a real sense that the direction of travel is positive, and I would urge people to stick with it.
You can reach me by sending an email to pete. wishart.mp@parliament.uk.
Alternatively, call 01250 876576.