| Good morning, And so it begins. Day one of a new national lockdown affecting the entirety of mainland Scotland. Unlike March, we now have an end in sight in the form of the vaccines. We'll get through this. Before we get to today's headlines, please consider supporting our journalism and getting full access to the news important to you, as well as free puzzles and fewer ads with a digital subscription. Join us today from just £3 a month. The reasons that allow people to leave home In no uncertain terms the Scottish Government has urged Scots to "stay at home" once again, as a new national lockdown was deployed for mainland Scotland at midnight last night. By law, in a level four area, a person can only leave their home or garden for an essential purpose. Authorities have released a list of ‘reasonable’ excuses that allow Scots to leave their home during the national lockdown starting from midnight. New rules explained So what will these new restrictions mean? Most of us in Scotland have already been living under level four restrictions - the highest level aside from a national lockdown. But the new measures come with some significant changes to our way of life. One of the most major being schools will remain closed until February in an attempt to curb the spread of the new coronavirus strain. Here’s everything you need to know about the new rules and how they affect parents, businesses, vulnerable people, travel. exercise and more. Tributes pour in for Scottish teen boxing star A talented teenage boxer and footballer sadly died at the start of 2021 leaving family and friends shocked and grief stricken. Tributes have been filling up social media for former St Mungo’s High School pupil Scott Martin, a youngster who was loved by everyone he met. Mum Samantha said: “He was a lovely boy. Everyone who met him just loved him. He was one of a kind – an absolute superstar who accomplished so much in a short time. Read the full story here. 'Reboot your brain' There’s no doubt that 2020 was difficult for everyone and tragic for many. But now vaccines against Covid-19 are finally being administered. Even with this new lockdown, unlike March we have much needed hope of a return to normality and a happy 2021. However, months of anxiety, grief and loneliness can easily create a spiral of negativity that is hard to break out of. We must look after ourselves. Here are six evidenced-based ways to change our brains for the better. Thanks for reading, stay safe, Sam Shedden, sam.shedden@jpimedia.co.uk | 
