TRAGIC ROBERT WAS A GIANT AMONG MEN
TRIBUTES AS COVID-19 CLAIMS LIFE OF PARAMEDIC
A former Linwood High School pupil has become the first paramedic to die in Scotland of Covid-19.
Robert Black passed away at a Glasgow hospital on Saturday after battling the deadly virus for two weeks.
The 51-year-old medic grew up in Elderslie and attended Linwood High before moving to Campbeltown in Kintyre with his wife Catherine.
He leaves behind children Lorna and Andrew.
Described as a “giant among men”, Robert’s death has devastated his friends at the Scottish Ambulance Service.
He is the first ambulance crew member to have died of the virus and his death adds to the six NHS staff and five members of the social care workforce who have died of
Covid-19 in Scotland.
Robert Pollock, secretary of GMB Scotland’s ambulance branch, said: “It is devastating for the whole ambulance service as it is a big closeknit family.
“Everyone who works in the NHS has the same fears as everyone else. However, they are professionals so they will get out there and do what they’ve got to do.”
Robert’s death was announced by the Kintyre Community Resilience Group on Facebook.
The much-loved musician, who was awarded a medal in 2018 to mark 25 years’ service with the Scottish Ambulance Service, was said to be a ‘huge character’ within the local community.
A statement from the group said: “Everyone involved at Kintyre Community Resilience Group is devastated to hear the sad news about Robert Black who sadly passed away earlier today.
“Robert was a well known and loved character – a great family man to his wife Cath and children Lorna and Andrew, a hugely respected and talented musician and a fantastic paramedic with the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“Robert contracted Covid- 19 a few weeks ago and was moved to Glasgow. Robert fought a strong battle but sadly succumbed to this horrible virus.
“This is particularly devastating to hear when it is someone who was young, so well liked and highly thought of. Someone who worked within our emergency services, fighting against this pandemic.
“Our thoughts are very much with Cath, Lorna, Andrew, his family, extensive friends and work colleagues at this extremely sad time.”
Glasgow and Renfrewshire-based friends of the paramedic also took to his Facebook page to share their memories of him and pay tribute to their dear friend and colleague.
One friend wrote: “You were a giant among men, your job helping people, your infectious personality, your massive smile and warm heart.
“The world is a darker place without you. I will miss you very much Robert, my trips to Campbeltown will never be the same.”
Paramedics from across Scotland have also expressed their sadness at losing one of their own.
Pauline Howie, chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, sid: “On behalf of everyone at SAS, I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the family.
“Our focus will be on supporting them during this very difficult time.”
She added: “I would also like to thank our NHS Scotland colleagues for the compassionate care they have shown our friend during their illness.”