People in West Lothian paused this week to light a candle and remember everyone who has lost their lives on the anniversary of the first lockdown.
A minute’s silence was held on Tuesday as part of a day of reflection to mark 12 months since our lives were turned upside down by the pandemic.
People lit candles in their window or stood on their doorsteps with torches or even lights from their phones to signify a ‘beacon of remembrance’ and think of all those who have died and families who have lost a loved one.
In West Lothian 245 people have died as a result of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic and as it stands, West Lothian is the most infectious area in Scotland.
And the latest figures show 7552 people in Scotland have died of covid but the true figure is much higher, with the most recent National Record of Scotland statistics for confirmed and suspected deaths sitting at 9831.
But there is hope.
In West Lothian nearly half of the population has been vaccinated.
As of March 23, 68,988 people (46.7 per cent) have received their jabs.
Many children are back at school and Nicola Sturgeon has set out a clear route-back that should return lives to more of a normality in the coming weeks and months.
The courage, strength and generosity of people has shone through in the darkest times, with a surge in the number of people volunteering and communities rallying round to help one another.
The Civic Centre in Livingston was bathed in yellow light on Tuesday in a mark of remembrance and flags outside the building flew at half mast.
Depute Leader of West Lothian Council Kirsteen Sullivan, extended her sympathies to everyone who had lost loved ones due to the pandemic.
She said: “My thoughts are with all the West Lothian families who have been affected most by Covid-19.
“I’m sure none of us thought a year ago that we would be back in lockdown a year later, but there are positives we can take from the last year.
“The reaction of the West Lothian community to support each other has been nothing short of magnificent, with volunteers, council and NHS staff among those going above and beyond. The roll-out of the vaccine programme also gives us cause for optimism, as we aim to get back to a more normal way of life in the near future.”
West Lothian Provost Tom Kerr added: “The events of the past year have truly been unprecedented. There is not one of us who hasn’t been impacted by the pandemic.
“However, despite the difficulties, the strength and resilience of West Lothian residents has been evident. As we remember those who have been sadly lost in the past year it is also an opportunity to reflect on how each and every individual has displayed tremendous character throughout the course of the pandemic and how we can continue to play a role as we move forward and hopefully out of the pandemic.
“It has never been more important that we all continue to look after each other and away.”
This week marks a year since the first lockdown was announced by Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson.
And it comes as the most recent figures show West Lothian is now the most infectious place for Covid-19 in Scotland.
The day of remembrance on Tuesday was organised the Marie Curie charity.
It’s executive director Meredith Niles said: “Millions of us have been unable to say a proper goodbye or comfort our family, friends and colleagues in their grief.
“With so many of us losing someone close, our shared sense of loss is incomparable to anything felt in our lifetime.
“We need to acknowledge this and recognise we are not alone. Although our losses will be felt for years to come, the National Day of Reflection gives us a moment to reflect on our collective loss as well as taking time to support those close to us who are dealing with feelings of isolation and loss.”
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