What did we do before the internet? How did we, the human race, ever survive without online shopping, internet banking, social media and – in my mother’s case – online access to the family notices in the Evening Times each night?

Honestly, one night, while visiting her, I was greeted at the door with a “You’ll never guess who’s died?” outburst. Confused and completely alarmed I told her I had no idea to which my darling mother replied “big Agnes McGuire’s man Donny.”

Jaw to the ground I told my mum I had no idea who the man was and that I’d never heard of him which nearly caused her to spontaneously combust right there and then.

“Aye you do, Michelle, you remember he used to own the butchers near your gran’s? Big fella with the wooden leg who had the two budgies Francie and Josie? Mind his wife went to 12 o’clock mass every Sunday and she wore that big fake fur coat that everyone thought was real because she told them it was real but it was clear as day it wasnae real.

“Oh, Michelle for goodness sake you must remember, you met the man up at the Parkhead Forge years ago!”

Again racking my brains I said I definitely didn’t know this poor man and asked my mum why she bothered reading those notices each night to which she replied “well you cannae read your own can you?”

When it comes to the internet, though, it’s impossible to imagine life without it now, well certainly in my

everyday life anyway. I do everything online, I use social media for work, I watch catch up TV, I shop online, get my news and travel updates from the web and I even write this column each week and send it via email to my editor for publication.

Then there’s the benefit of keeping in touch with friends and family overseas. On Christmas night we all gathered round my parents very fancy new smart TV and online phoned my family in Canada while they were having Christmas dinner. It was just unbelievable to think they were thousands of miles away but with the touch of a button were right there with us in our living room. I even video called back home when I was in Mexico earlier this year in a bid to make my family green with envy at the sub-tropical surroundings I was enjoying only to be abruptly cut off by my sisters as apparently River City was on the TV and at a pivotal point in the show my wee burnt coupon popped up on the screen holding a strawberry daiquiri while lying by the infinity pool.

That’s why, when the Scottish Government asked if I’d like to get involved in their new Let’s Get On initiative, I jumped at the chance. It’s

a nationwide road show that’s set to help people across Scotland get online.

The Scottish Government’s Let’s Get On team will visit 75 towns and cities from April 6 until May 8 offering free, informal, drop in sessions on how to get online and the benefits the internet can bring.

Trained and friendly staff will host more than 90 sessions at a variety of locations ranging from supermarkets to shopping centres to sports clubs and local community hubs. The team will help people experience the benefits of being online first hand by demonstrating a variety of online activities such as how to set up an email address, tips for safe internet shopping and banking and how to video call friends and family.

So if you aren’t online yet but would love to find out more just call the Let’s Get On information line on 0300 004 1000.

I HOPE you all had a wonderful Easter and are enjoying this wonderful weather! I just want to wish everyone taking part in the Kiltwalk this weekend the very best of luck.

The Kiltwalk is a unique Scottish charity that brings together some of the nation’s best loved children’s charities.

Together they help Scotland’s most vulnerable, disadvantaged and sick children. The first Kiltwalk of the year kicks off in Glasgow on Sunday. But don’t worry, with walks happening in Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth and lots of other places around the country throughout the year all of Scotland can get involved.

For more information just log on to www.thekiltwalk.co.uk