THE Christmas restrictions were a bitter blow, with plans made and expectations raised. The thought of meeting family and friends had been sustaining many. I spent the festivities with my wife and stepdaughter but had been looking forward to seeing my sons again, who I’ve not seen for months. Many others are far more isolated, and their anguish will have been far greater.

For it can be a lonely time of year for those separated from family and friends. The mental health and wellbeing of many have been suffering throughout this pandemic and this will exacerbate it; the subdued atmosphere simply heightening the sense of isolation.

It’s why we need a repeat of the community spirit we saw in the first stages of lockdown – checking on others, ensuring that they’re coping not just with provisions but the additional pressures. A smile and a chat go a long way to brightening an otherwise dark day. So let’s all look out for each other.

The challenges we face from coronavirus are immense but as nothing to what’s happening in poorer countries. That was brought home to me in a Zoom call with the Palestinian Ambassador. As we rightly fret about the NHS being overwhelmed, Gaza, with a population of two million, has only 40 ICU beds in total. They’re trying to cope with that, spurring me to donate to charity rather than sending cards this year.

Meanwhile, the shameful drug death figures afflicted the county as other parts of Scotland. The current war on drugs is failing. Violence is escalating and victims are dying. There has to be a health-based solution. The Misuse of Drugs Act is well past its sell by date and the Westminster Government must reform or allow Scotland to do so. In the interim, the Scottish Government need to ensure more support for rehabilitation and those seeking to save lives.

On a brighter note, the news of a station at East Linton is to be welcomed. Now it’s about ensuring that when the service starts, it’s adequate.