Lights to shine from doorsteps on lockdown anniversary

A national day of reflection will be held to mark a year since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland.

A minute’s silence at midday and a shining of lights from doorsteps at 8pm will take place on Tuesday, March 23.

Prominent buildings and landmarks, including the Kelpies, Wallace Monument and Ness Bridge, will also light up.

The event will be led by end-of-life charity Marie Curie and is backed by celebrities, politicians and more than 100 organisations.

March 23 marks exactly a year since the first national lockdown was announced, and Marie Curie hopes the memorial day it will become an annual event.

More than 9000 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded in Scotland during the pandemic.

Funeral numbers have been limited, meaning many family and friends have not been able to say goodbye to loved ones in the way they would have liked.

Marie Curie chief executive Matthew Reed, said: “We need to take a moment to mark the huge amount of loss we’ve seen in the past 12 months, and show support for everyone who has been bereaved – be that from Covid or any other cause.

“Marie Curie has been supporting bereaved people as well as caring for dying people with and without coronavirus throughout the pandemic. Many people are in shock, confused, upset, angry and unable to process what has happened.

“But there is an overwhelming need to come together, to remember, to grieve, to celebrate.”

Connie McCready, founder of support group Covid-19 Families Scotland, which she set up after losing her fiancé following 35 days in ICU, said many people were “terrified” their lives would never be the same again.

She said: “Not being able to comfort our loved ones whilst in hospitals, care homes and hospices left thousands of people dying without their loved ones by their side.

“Not being able to say goodbye and have a normal funeral, or the physical comfort from family and friends, has a devastating impact.

“Everyone is talking about life getting back to normal when coming out of lockdown. However, for myself and many others, we are terrified our lives will never be normal again.”