Judy Murray: A virtual pub? I’ll drink to that

So many people have used their free time during lockdown to finish a creative project that’s been sitting on the back burner – wait until you see my children’s book!

By far the most impressive artwork I have seen so far is the Glasgow Subway-themed virtual pub, created by 3D artist Steven Bracki.

After realising how much he missed his favourite watering holes, Steven dug out his digital designs for a boozer named The Inner Circle and finally completed the plans, which include a circular bar, “clockwork orange” drinks menu, and even a see-through dance floor complete with train tracks.

To see more pictures like the one above, go to Steven’s Twitter account @stevenbracki.

I hope someone (preferably a born-and-bred Weegie with deep pockets) sees his work and commissions a real-life version. Can you imagine how popular it would be? Not only would tourists pop in for a drink, but Glaswegians would love it, too.

If it ever opens, I’ll be first in line for a very special “sub crawl”.

Sunnier times ahead

© Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Last week, Nicola Sturgeon officially announced the start of phase two of lockdown easing, giving everyone a little glimmer of hope for the future.

Although we still can’t travel too far or sit outside in a beer garden, we can now form an “extended group” with one other household, which will be great for helping people who live alone to feel less isolated. Plus, we can now meet two households outdoors at the same time, so I’m looking forward to seeing more of my friends and family.

It might be a while off yet, but I really do hope the guidance allows us to start meetings indoors soon. So far, we’ve been so lucky with the sunshine, and it’s been great to spend more time outdoors getting fresh air and exercise, but it will be nice to not have to rely on the weather to play ball – because, let’s be honest, if we did in Scotland, we’d never get out.

Did you see the amazing poem Lockdoon, written by 10-year-old Leah Begg, that went viral this week? Written in Scots language, the youngster, from Kirkintilloch in East Dunbartonshire, managed to capture the mood of the nation using only 14 short and snappy lines.

She even received a letter of praise from the First Minister. I loved her cheeky take on lockdown life, and could almost imagine someone rapping the words along to music. Scotland’s makar, Jackie Kay, might have to watch her back – there’s a new star on the scene!

Sunday marked the final day of Cervical Screening Awareness Week, so I wanted to take a minute to urge everyone to book an appointment next time their reminder letter comes through the door.

During the coronavirus crisis, screenings in Scotland have been paused, causing an estimated 68,000 tests to be delayed, and charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust say GPs may have to deal with a huge backlog once lockdown ends.

But it is such an important – yet very simple and routine – test to have. So, if you’ve missed your appointment during lockdown, don’t put off rescheduling when NHS services are fully back up and running.