Big hugs for everyone who’s going through this on their own

Afriend of mine who recently got her Covid vaccination told me that feeling the cool hand of the nurse on her arm was the first time she had felt a human touch since Christmas.

It’s been a hard time for everyone but her admission brought home the impact social distancing has had on those who live alone.

Apart from meeting our emotional needs, the power of touch has been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and boost the immune system. So it’s an added sadness that during such a scary and uncertain time, when we needed physical contact the most, it was taken from so many.

Thank goodness then that as of tomorrow we are officially allowed to hug friends and family outwith our own households for the first time.

Tomorrow feels like a huge step towards normality as we are also allowed to invite folk into our homes. On a purely selfish note, I’m excited that our son will be allowed to stay over at his granny’s house again, and my partner and I can enjoy a date night that doesn’t involve dinner for two, huddled under a patio heater.

And it’s good news for those suffering from wanderlust because the Scottish Government has announced a traffic light system which will allow us to travel to “green” countries this summer. For those still unsure whether they should staycation or go abroad, we have spoken to top travel experts (pages 32&33) to help you make a safe choice.

Whatever your plans are I hope you all enjoy your first taste of proper freedom this week – especially those first, precious hugs.