Strathearn Herald

So much support in communitie­s

- Liz Smith CONSERVATI­VE MSP FOR MID SCOTLAND AND FIFE

May I begin this final column of 2020 by wishing Strathearn Herald readers a peaceful Christmas – which is only a few days away – and what will hopefully be a much better new year.

Perhaps the best present was the news that a Covid-19 vaccine has acquired the necessary clinical certificat­ion, that some vaccinatio­ns have begun and that it will be rolled-out extensivel­y in the coming weeks and months.

While it is clear that we are by no means out of the woods just yet, there is real hope that there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Maybe we can look forward to a little more normality in 2021.

If there has been a silver lining in the very dark Covid cloud, it has been the extraordin­ary spirit within local communitie­s to help people overcome the hardships wherever possible.

Strathearn is full of heart-warming stories and I want to pay tribute to all the many volunteers who have given selflessly of their time in order to help others.

Without them, I am sure some communitie­s would be suffering even more than is currently the case.

For example, Crieff Co-op put in a Herculean effort by phoning elderly customers regarding their food shopping order and I know many local residents have praised their excellent delivery service.

The Co-op also produced a lovely booklet, entitled ‘Life in Lockdown’, which featured residents’ lockdown stories, poems and pictures and capturing

Strathearn is full of heartwarmi­ng stories and I want to pay tribute to all the many volunteers who have given selflessly of their time in order to help others

true community spirit.

Another heartening example of local community help was shown by the community of Muthill which, early on in the pandemic, turned a red phone box – which was set to store a defibrilla­tor – into a food larder.

The innovative idea was the brainchild of local resident, Corrina Robertson, who approached Muthill In Bloom and the group was only too happy to help.

We must also thank our local farmers and producers of local fare for continuing to supply residents with food and goods during Covid-19 – the service they provide is invaluable.

Whatever your limited plans are for Christmas please do keep up-to-date with the latest guidelines and travel advice, especially if you are moving around between December 23 and 27.

Have an enjoyable time, wherever possible.

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 ??  ?? Helping others Volunteers Susan Crawford and Corinna Robertson outside the phone box in Muthill which was turned into a community larder earlier in the year
Helping others Volunteers Susan Crawford and Corinna Robertson outside the phone box in Muthill which was turned into a community larder earlier in the year

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