As we edge closer to the shortest day of the year, the restrictions the Coronavirus has brought to all of our lives feel even more challenging. The festive period – usually a time of Christmas parties, social gatherings and family togetherness – is going to be different this year. But even though Fife has recently entered tier 3 of the restrictions, there are still reasons to be hopeful.

November has brought three distinct reasons to be positive. Across the Atlantic, Joe Biden secured victory as the 46th President-elect of the United States. The policies espoused by Donald Trump’s reign as President seriously damaged America’s global reputation. For many African Americans, Trump’s time in office had been driven by discrimination and systemic racism. Joe Biden may be the oldest President the United States has ever had, but he brings with him Kamala Harris as Vice President elect. Ms Harris is the first women to ever hold that office. She is also the first non-white person to ever hold the role.

Secondly, we heard of the much longed for news that a Vaccine for Coronavirus is now on the horizon. Pfizer/BioNtech is the first pharmaceutical company to share information from the final stages of vaccine testing. The data suggests the vaccine could prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19, so whilst it is not yet full-proof, there is hope at least that Covid won’t be with us forever.

And the third reason to be hopeful? Scotland’s national men’s football team have qualified for the UEFA European championships! The match itself didn’t fail to disappoint in the drama stakes, with David Marshall’s save during the penalty shoot-outs saving the day. With videos of the team’s celebrations going viral, it was the result the nation needed to lift our spirits after a difficult 2020. Whilst the women’s team qualified for the world cup in 2019, it’s been over 20 years since Scotland’s men were last in a major football tournament. I vividly remember France 98’, had the Umbro Strip, and I remember watching the Brazil match that Summer. For a generation since that time, Scotland’s men’s team have been repeatedly been unable to qualify. This match was about challenging that trajectory; and whilst I won’t mention Sunday’s Slovakia match, I am not ashamed that I’ve had ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ playing on repeat since last Thursday.

So, we have reasons to be hopeful as we head into winter. I’m confident that, if we stick together and look out for one another, hope will win the day in 2021.