Thanks to everyone going above and beyond to help communities

WHERE IS THIS?

I hope everyone is well and managing to stay safe and happy within the constrictions we have at the moment. It’s hard being apart from family and friends, and a bit scary going shopping, but we are so fortunate to have such a range of shops available to us, all going above and beyond to make sure that we’re kept safe and supplied with what we need to get us through this difficult time.

From the larger shops such as Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and Farmfoods, where we can get most things we need now that the panic buying seems to have tailed off, to places like Albany Stores, Hannah’s, Soroba Shop and all the other fantastic wee shops looking after customers and going above and beyond to make sure everyone is taken care of.

We also have Taste of Argyll with fabulous local produce and our local butchers, Jacksons and Wynne’s, and Watts Fishmongers making sure we’re well fed, with Millstone Wholefoods keeping us healthy just when we need it most.

The staff in all those places play such an important role just now, making sure everyone is taken care of, but even more importantly, at a time of isolation they provide a friendly face and a reassurance that there is some normality in the world and for that I’m sure we are all very grateful.

They are among the people, like NHS staff and carers, bus and lorry drivers, electricity, gas and BT workers, who all deserve our thanks just now for being out there keeping everything going for those of us trying to isolate ourselves, not forgetting all the volunteers who have turned out in their droves to help those who’re struggling.

Thank you all so much – words aren’t enough.

Last week’s photograph was of the beautiful Oban Chocolate Shop (I miss you), and this week’s is up a side street – have you noticed it?