Lord-Lieutenant’s festive message praises ‘extraordinary’ acts
In her first Christmas message as Lord-Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute, Jane MacLeod said she was ‘humbled and overwhelmed’ by the community’s ‘extraordinary response’ to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mid Argyll-based Mrs MacLeod, who took over the role in July when Campbeltown's Patrick Stewart CVO MBE WS retired, said: ‘What an extraordinary year it has been.
‘There are so many words that we could use to describe 2020 but, reflecting as this year draws to a close, I think that ‘extraordinary’ is the one which sums it up best.
‘It most certainly describes the changes and challenges that we have all had to cope with, and which have affected every single aspect of our daily lives.
‘Those challenges prevail into the festive season, not least for those across Argyll and Bute who have lost loved ones.
‘It is important to remember them, as a community, and I hope, as always, that anyone who is struggling this year, for any reason, is able to find some peace and comfort. In such circumstances it is always important to hold onto hope.
‘Despite all of the difficulties in this most unusual of years, hope has been shining through in Argyll and Bute, demonstrated by the extraordinary response of our communities to the pandemic. I am truly humbled and overwhelmed when I think of all the ways that people all over the area stepped up to provide support.
‘You provided food parcels for the vulnerable and took hot meals to the elderly. You made scrubs for key workers, and masks for those who needed them.
‘You came out on the pavements to show your sympathy for the bereaved and who had to mourn alone due to restrictions.
‘You went to the shops for those who had to shield. You found new ways to keep in touch with the lonely and struggling.
‘You put rainbows in your window to encourage those at the front line.
‘In a year where in many ways we can do so little, you have done so much more, and have gone above and beyond. You are extraordinary.
‘We are approaching 2021 with a little more optimism, following the news of a vaccine.
‘I believe that here in Argyll and Bute, we can enter 2021 with positivity and pride, and a firm hope for the future.
‘We have shown that as a community we can rise to the most challenging and unknown circumstances in a very extraordinary way. That will stand us in good stead for this coming New Year and beyond.
‘On behalf of the Lieutenancy of Argyll and Bute, may I send everyone in Argyll and Bute my very best wishes for this coming season.’