Construction is underway on a memorial garden in West Lothian to remember those who died during the Covid pandemic.
The garden, in Almondvale Park in Livingston, will feature special mementos from local families who have lost loved ones.
Artist David Wilson is collecting photographs and trinkets from bereaved families, which will then be placed on a wall in the garden.
It’s part of Remembering Together, a national project funded by the Scottish Government that gives communities the chance to reflect on their experiences.
David told STV News: “There have been lots of tears and lots of smiles, but people have been really appreciative of being given the opportunity to memorialise their family member.
“It tends to have been photographs but there have been little items, like a couple came along and donated a little onyx heart and a little fish keyring. So it’s really lovely.
“It kind of builds upon a folk tradition in Scotland where, when people were building a house, they would actually conceal an item into the actual wall of the building – and it kept the kind of spirit of that people into that space.”
STV NewsMore than 16,000 people in Scotland have died with Covid since the outbreak began in March 2020.
Rebecca lost both her parents during lockdown.
She said: “My dad passed away during the pandemic in the hospital on his own, which is quite horrible.
“I’ve somewhere for my dad, to go and remember my dad. I don’t have anywhere for my mum.
“She loved nature, and she loved flowers. Yellow roses were her favourite, and it will always remind me of her.”
It was a yellow rose that Rebecca chose to have placed within the heart of the wall.
“They loved going out in nature. They loved just doing everything,” she added.
“Just lovely people and people who were taken far too soon from this world. And I wish they could still be here.”
The Livingston memorial will also include a steel ribbon of remembrance embedded with flowers symbolising all those who lost their lives.
Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “It will be a wonderful place for people to come and sit and remember.
“People died trying to save lives, and of course, there are the families who dearly miss those who have departed.”
The memorial is due to be completed by the end of the year.
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