EAST Renfrewshire Provost Jim Fletcher rolled up his sleeve last week to get his Covid-19 vaccination.

The 66-year-old received his first jab on Friday after his appointment letter arrived through the door - and he is now encouraging all residents to take up the vaccine when they are invited.

Provost Fletcher is hopeful that as the vaccine begins to roll out across the country, it will allow people to start getting back towards more normality in their lives.

He told the Barrhead News: “Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from this horrible virus. 

“All the vaccines being used have gone through all the required safety tests and I hope that this is the start of the green shoots of recovery for people. 

“This past year has been so challenging for everyone, but as more and more people get the vaccine I’d hope we will be able to slowly see restrictions begin to ease. 

“Once you’ve had the vaccine it’s important that you still follow all the national guidelines included in the FACTS advice, as it will take time for the vaccine to become an effective barrier against the virus for the wider population.”