The Good News Update
Check out our selection of mood-boosting news stories from across Scotland. Our live blog is updated daily with the stories we think will make you smile.
Last updated 5th Feb 2021
Friday 5th February
Vaccination Update
Daily coronavirus vaccinations have now almost doubled since last week, John Swinney has said. The Deputy First Minister announced that in the 24 hours to 8.30am on Friday, 48,165 first doses were administered to patients - which is the most jabs given in a single day in Scotland.
It is nearly twice the number reported last Friday, when 24,197 people received their first dose.
A total of 742,512 people have now received a first dose of the vaccine - that's 16.45% of the adult population (based on population figures for over 16s at the last census).
Here’s a breakdown of where those vaccines have gone so far:
-29,644 care home residents (99% of residents in older adult care homes and 93% of residents in all care homes)
-40,029 care home staff (89% of staff in older adult care homes and 77% of staff in all care homes)
-229,219 people aged 80 or over living in the community (92%) – this excludes care home residents who are reported separately
-269,740 frontline health and social care workers exceeding the initial target of 230,000 staff provided by Health Boards.
-90,166 people aged 75-79 living in the community (47%) – this excludes care home residents who are reported separately
-44,464 people aged 70-74 living in the community (16%) – this excludes care home residents who are reported separately.
Today's Good News
A Covid-19 patient from Cambuslang who spent two months in an induced coma on a ventilator woke up to the news that he is going to be a grandfather. He's also pledge to marry his long term partner.
Last night the Maggie Fleming Animal Hospital near Kirkcudbright nearly flooded, which would’ve left over 100 animals homeless, but kind volunteers came to the rescue!
The daily test positivity rate is 4.9% for the second day in a row - below the 5% mark at which the World Health Organisation considers a pandemic to be “under control.”
The Oxford/AstraZenica vaccine remains effective against the coronavirus variant first detected in Kent and the South East of the UK, researchers have found.
Our senior reporter Natasha Richardson was on the receiving end of a little act of kindness today, while reporting on the incidents in Kilmarnock.
Thursday 4th February
Today's Good News
The daily test positivity rate has fallen to 4.9% - below the 5% mark at which the World Health Organisation considers a pandemic to be “under control.” This is the first time the figure has fallen this low in more than a month.
New diagnoses of HIV in gay and bisexual men have fallen by 20% in Scotland.
The Bank of England has forecast a rapid recovery for the economy as vaccines are rolled out.
Wednesday 3rd February
Today's Good News
An Arbroath schoolgirl's used money left over from her cancelled birthday party to make friendship boxes for lonely members of her local church.
An NHS appeal for knitted hearts to help people feel closer to their loved ones in hospital has been overwhelmed with the response.
A report says the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine may have a "substantial effect" on transmission of coronavirus.
Tuesday 2nd February
As at 8:30am on Tuesday, 2 February:
610,778 people have received the first dose of the Covid vaccination and 8,345 have received the second dose.
Breakdown of groups to receive vaccine:
-29,302 care home residents (98% of residents in older adult care homes and 92% of residents in all care homes)
-39,570 care home staff (88% of staff in older adult care homes and 76% of staff in all care homes)
-208,447 people aged 80 or over living in the community (83%) – this excludes care home residents who are reported separately
-261,716 frontline health and social care workers exceeding the initial target of 230,000 staff provided by Health Boards.
-39,364 people aged 75-79 living in the community (21%) – this excludes care home residents who are reported separately
Monday 1st February
Today's Good News
NHS Lothian's beginning the second stage of coronavirus vaccinations with people aged between 65 and 79 next to get their jags.
Most are being invited to mass vaccination centres set up at the EICC in Edinburgh, and Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn.
Mass vaccinations are also taking place at the P&J Live in Aberdeen.
The UK's ordered another 40-million doses of a vaccine from Valneva, bringing its total to 100-million.
It's still being trialed and hasn't been approved - but has a production site in Livingston.
Glasgow's Zara Mohammed has been elected as the first ever female Secretary General of Muslim Council of Britain.
She tells MFR: "I hope it will inspire many young people, especially women, to believe in themselves and to feel confident that they can absolutely take on these positions of leadership." You can read more about it here.
Friday 29th January
Today's Good News
We could soon have a fourth vaccine approved in the UK. Novavax have announced their jag has 89.3% efficacy - and has been tested against the UK and South African variants.
Thursday 28th January
Today's Good News
NHS Grampian and the venue want local children to send in art work and notes of encouragement to keep spirits high at the mass vaccination centre in Aberdeen.
Wednesday 27th January
Today's Good News
Lifeline funding has been secured by Friends of Dundonald Castle which promises to safeguard jobs and the future of its visitor centre.
The tourist attraction in South Ayrshire was the home to Scots King Robert II, grandson of Robert the Bruce.
The world's first fleet of double decker hydrogen buses officially launched into service today in Aberdeen.
The zero-emission fleet emits nothing more than water from its exhausts as the fuel is made from just wind and water.
Tuesday 26th January
Today's Good News
A Glasgow restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Star for the first time in 18 years.
Great Western Road's Cail Bruich is the recipient of the prestigious award, with head chef Lorna McNee now able to say she's the only female chef in the city to be given one.
Monday 25th January
Today's Good News
Over 37,000 Covid vaccinations have now been administered at the NHS Louisa Jordan in Glasgow.
This is around one dose every 10 minutes.
A mass vaccination site is opening in Aberdeen next Monday.
It'll be situated at the P&J Live and they're hoping to eventually see 10,000 patients a day.
The Moderna coronavirus vaccine, due to arrive in the UK in the spring, is effective against all emerging mutations of the virus that have been detected to date, the company has announced.
This includes the new strain first detected in south east England that scientists say is more transmissible than the previous variant, and may be more deadly.
Moderna said laboratory tests found that vaccination with its jab produced neutralising antibodies against all key emerging variants, including the South African mutation.
A Cocker Spaniel stolen from kennels in Fordon, Aberdeenshire back in November has been returned safe and well to her owner. Read more here.
Scottish Game of Thrones star James Cosmo is to take up a prestigious honorary role within the British Army. Read more here.
Sunday 24th January
You can play your part in an amazing virtual celebration of Scotland's Bard.
Saturday 23rd January
Today's Good News
5,000 healthcare workers have been vaccinated for the second day in a row at the NHS Louisa Jordan in Glasgow.
Friday 22nd January
Today's Good News
Scotland's most loved comic Sir Billy Connolly has received his Coronavirus jag in Florida, USA, where he currently lives.
A Perthshire butcher has launched haggis up to the edge of space as part of Burns Night celebrations.
Thursday 21st January
Today's Good News
Organisers remain optimistic that TRNSMT Festival will be able to take place this year, and plan to update fans in early March.
A postie from Airdrie's given up his mail route and signed a record deal after racking up millions of followers on TikTok singing sea shanties.
A vital blood delivery service based in the Highlands has received some much needed funding to help them find new premises.
Hear all the latest news from across the North of Scotland on MFR. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.