With spring approaching, it's time to shake off the winter of discontent and look forward to summer of fun.
With Nicola Sturgeon's announcement on Tuesday that from March 12, four Scots from two households can meet outdoors for recreation and social purposes - including inside private gardens - this news paves the way to a more relaxed summer.
However, outdoor get togethers are all very well, but we live in Scotland, and the weather isn't always our friend.
Last year's lockdown saw a frenzy of garden improvements with garden furniture, decking, hot tubs, BBQs, pizza ovens and patio heaters either selling out or having long waiting lists as people made the most of their outdoor spaces amid ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
Although hopes for 2021 might include something closer to normality, it's likely at least the first part of the summer is going to be spent socialising outdoors and at home.
Adding some heat to the equation is an important element to outdoor entertaining in a less than clement environment.
Patio heaters, fire pits and similar heating equipment can add some extra hours to your fun, as well as bringing additional light and enhancing your overall outdoor decor.
Outdoor heating has come a long way from the old fashioned pub style gas heaters, and there are some very affordable options out there too.
We've had a look at some of the best rated on the market right now - but you better get in quick as many retailers, such as John Lewis, are already sold out completely.
Best patio heaters for 2021
DONYER POWER Ceiling Mounted Electrical Patio Heater, £89,99 Amazon
Ceiling mounted heaters are the on trend style of heater that have multiple uses both indoor and outdoor. The heater can be suspended inside a gazebo or used inside a chilly conservatory, and can be moved about as required. This cost effective model is highly rated by Amazon reviewers and gives off good heat at about 30p per hour to run.
La Hacienda Adjustable Standing Copper Lamp Heater, £179.99, Garden Street
This trendy lamp style heater from respected garden brand La Hacienda comes in a chic copper finish and can be angled to direct heat where needed. At £179.99 it's well priced for a mid level brand and the quality that comes with it, and uses a halogen element to provide a consistent heat.
HeatWave Patio Heater, £149.99, Gtech
This weather-proof, wall mounted patio heater comes from top vacuum cleaner brand Gtech, a rival to Dyson and Shark. The 2kW power will heat up to six metres away in seconds, providing light and warmth to outside areas.
Solo Stove Ranger Fire Pit, £294, osoliving.com
There are a huge range of fire pits on the market but this has to be one of the coolest. This compact, portable, eco-friendly no-trace fire pit is perfect for smaller spaces, city dwellers and for those who live life on the go.
2KW Electric Patio Heater, £79, Wowcher
Wowcher's simple patio heater is cheap and cheerful and in demand. Perfect for keeping the garden party going throughout the colder evenings, it has three heat settings with safety overheat protection and a heavy duty base design for extra stability.
Shadow FatBoy Mega Heat Remote Patio Heater Black, £319.99, Nisbets
If you want serious heat, this is your kit. The Shadow FatBoy is the world's most powerful single lamp short wave patio heater, and unrivalled in producing impressive heat to an outside space. The FatBoy can be wall mounted or mounted on a heater stand, allowing you to get the heat to where you need it most.
La Hacienda Electric Patio Heater, £65, Argos
At this price, this is bound to sell out quickly. The freestanding patio heater from La Hacienda is a versatile heater made from durable steel with aluminium casing, and features an adjustable height as well as three heat settings up to 2000W so you can adjust the temperature to suit your preferences.
Portable Patio Heater, £129, La Redoute
This cute little heater is perfect for moving around as suits your needs. Swan’s Al Fresco range of stylish patio heaters feature a generous 1.8 metre power supply cord so they can be positioned around the garden.
Athena Plus Gas Patio Heater & Free Weather Cover, £299.99, Garden Furniture Centre
Gas patio heater are more traditional and run on either propane or LPG gas. This 2.2m aluminium frame features a swirling flame inside a glass tube. Started with the built in battery ignition, the Athena's heat output can be adjusted with a variable valve - and will automatically shut off if tipped over.
Lifestyle Santorini flame patio heater, £458.99, Keen Gardener
This patio heater creates a stunning 360° visual effect with a central flame that rises into a spiral and dances to the top. Made of steel with an attractive gun metal finish, it has the added bonus of being retractable for compact storage. With no assembly required, all you need to do is connect the gas and enjoy this product straight out of the box.
