I went to the pub tonight for the first time in...I'm really not sure. I can't remember when the hospitality sector closed down in Scotland but I'm guessing it was about 6 months ago. Anyway, it was nice to catch up with some old friends over a couple of beers. I'd like to say it was, as the current cliche goes, a return to normality but, of course, it wasn't. Alcohol is only permitted outside so we sat in a distinctly chilly area behind the pub. To access this, a mask must be worn for the three-second trip through the bar. The setting was glorious---a decked platform on the waterside with views across the River Tay to Dundee and the hills beyond but the temperature meant that conversations were conducted through chattering teeth. I'm certainly not complaining. The horror that is being experienced in India, Brazil and elsewhere is more than enough to make me feel grateful for the relaxations that are slowly coming into force over here.
I had two pints of beer and a laugh with some friends I hadn't seen for months. That's a nice start.