Community out in force to support those who care
In a national moment of thanks and togetherness, communities in Oban and the surrounding areas stepped onto their doorsteps last Thursday evening to salute NHS staff and care workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Clap For Carers initiative saw residents from all corners of Oban, Lorn and the Islands applauding the services from doorsteps, windows and balconies at 8pm, and, in true Oban style, members of the world famous Oban High School Pipe Band took up the mantle at 8.05pm when some prolongued hearty clapping was followed by the skirl of the pipes and the beat of the drums.
OHS Pipe Band pipe major Angus MacColl joined in from his family home at Keil Crofts along with his son Angus John and niece Fiona Crookshanks.
‘It took a bit of frantic organising on Thursday afternoon but it was well worth it,’ said Angus.
‘All the band members were keen to do something to show their appreciation of all these people who are charged with looking after us through this situation.’
Neighbours in Seil’s Main Street came out from their homes to give a united round of applause to NHS workers as part of the Clap For Carers last Thursday night.
Others also took part in other areas of the island – including some people who gathered, at a safe distance, on the golf course.
McCaig’s Tower was also lit up in blue for the salute as part of the #lightitblue campaign.
A message from the NHS on social media described the tribute as ‘emotional’.