AS I WRITE my first column of 2021, not a lot has changed and in some cases things are even tougher than at the end of 2020.

I have taken a few weeks off after a really busy Christmas and New Year to relax and unwind and was hoping to maybe lose a few of the extra pounds I have put on since Christmas.

However, with the schools closed, I find myself home-schooling my two young kids, one in P1 and one in P4, and it’s really tough.

Getting to grips with the school IT alone caused some stress but a lesson from my eight-year-old assisted and I have now mastered the system.

Keeping them focused and on top of the work whilst constantly feeding them is a challenge and a pretty expensive one. My two now insist on snacks like cheese and biscuits – and not just Cheddar, it’s French Brie or smoked cheeses, alongside various chutneys.

East Lothian Courier:

Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell

Like many others, I understand how challenging this period is for everyone but am staying positive and thinking about the spring and summer ahead, when we will hopefully have some normality back.

During these tough times, we as a family have used the website parentclub.scot, a brilliant website with a vast array of resources, tools and advice. I cannot recommend it enough. There are suggestions for games to play indoors or outdoors with young children, as well as pointers to get support and advice on a wide variety of topics.

Unfortunately, there are also some extremely unscrupulous people out there looking to exploit the vulnerable and I urge you all to be vigilant at all times, particularly when it comes to finances. We are aware of a scam circulating involving a text message suggesting people are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine. If you are concerned you have provided personal or financial information via a link in a message of this sort, contact us via 101.

We will always pursue anyone who sets out to cause harm and misery to our communities, and my officers work closely with our partners to make East Lothian and Scotland a hostile environment for these scammers.

Our Take Five campaign, which launched recently, raises awareness of fraud and highlights ways people can protect themselves and remain vigilant.

Always be aware that an unsolicited telephone call, email or text message may not be from the person or organisation it appears to be from.

Only this morning, I got a call on my home landline from a male with an Asian accent telling me his name was Alan Partridge and he was from Microsoft’s IT department. When I questioned him, he hung up.

Never pass personal details to anyone over the phone and don’t click on a link in a message you’re not expecting, and remember the NHS will never ask you for money relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Take Five to Prevent Fraud campaign features a range of tips for you about how to protect yourself from fraudsters.

I want everyone to be as safe as possible and again urge you all to follow the Scottish Governments guidelines. I know it’s tough but there is light at the end of this tunnel. Please look after yourselves and support each other.