"Full marks!"

NHS Scotland runs a bowel-cancer screening-programme. People over 60 (or 65?) are invited to submit for scientific testing a small sample of faeces, which is then analysed. Six weeks ago (aged 66) I sent in such a sample. A month later, I found myself summoned in for a colonoscopy at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, and I had an examination conducted.

The procedure was mildly uncomfortable. But that discomfort was as nothing, compared with the utter professionalism, efficiency, and plain cheerful niceness of the medical and nursing crew.

Full marks, therefore, to the ladies and gentlemen of NHS Scotland, and indeed elsewhere, who surely have in present circumstances more urgent and stressful things to do. We love you all!