The shocking outbreak of Covid-19 in a Portree care home, where 28 out of 34 residents have been affected, suddenly gives the Isle of Skye the status of a coronavirus hotspot.
The mass outbreak, also affecting 26 of the 52 care staff, will cause understandable concern on the island.
But with the right measures, including the rapid introduction of testing and tracking, the spread can be contained.
The incident teaches us several immediate lessons, the first of which is that this virus is far from “past the peak” as Boris Johnson bumptiously declared on Thursday, as he overcame his own personal battle against the illness.
It also shows us that no matter how remote or rural people consider parts of Scotland, you cannot outrun this virus.
City isolationists who made their way to the Highlands look foolish now.
Local MP Ian Blackford was right to fight a rearguard against trippers and the online booking sites until they stopped offering holiday home boltholes.
Most importantly, the Portree outbreak underscores the pattern of the spread of the disease.
Care homes for the elderly have accounted for almost half of fatalities and, in the end, may prove to have been the most potent source of spreading the virus.
Stringent testing in care homes for residents and staff has to be maintained.
If there is anything positive from this worrying incident, it is that the Scottish Government can turn this around and make sure Skye becomes a trailblazer for testing and tracking in the wider community.
That is how we can tame Covid-19.
Reaching out
Aaron Connolly was in the depths of despair one year ago.
He suffered from depression and anxiety and made the decision to take his own life.
But the thought of his son’s voice brought him back from the brink.
Now, 12 months on, he has a message of hope for anyone who thinks the world would be a better place without them.
Aaron came through a dark period and now believes life in “precious and beautiful”.
He urged us all to do more to help one and other, to reach out and connect with other people.
His uplifting message has never been more vital.
The coronavirus crisis has placed the nation under incredible pressure and many will be struggling to cope.
Aaron’s brave words today show that however bad feel, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
