WHERE IS THIS?

At the time of writing, we are truly in the grips of winter.

Fortunately for the Oban area it is only the bitter cold we are putting up with and not the snow.

With this in mind, it makes sense to watch the roads and pavements in the cold mornings.

It’s good to see the gritters out day and night around rural roads and we should be thankful for the drivers who are out at all hours.

They are not the only key workers keeping our lives moving and we should recognise all the workers from water and electric companies who turn out at all hours, day and night, to keep the lights on and the water flowing in terrible weather conditions at times.

There were some great photographs on social media of members of Oban Mountain Rescue team and Lorn Medical Centre staff visiting Kerrera to vaccinate residents. What an amazing team effort. Sometimes we take these individuals for granted.

With the lockdown dragging on, it is clear lots of people are struggling with this new normal. There are only so many walks you can go on or TV box sets you can watch.

We are all hoping for the easing of restrictions and a return to visiting cafes, restaurants and bars.

This could be a time to take up a new hobby or start planning to get your garden ready for summer.

It is difficult but, with vaccines being administered across the area, we all need to start to look forward to happier days.

Last week’s photograph was of the North Pier Pontoons.