Backing for minister’s tribute day for victims of Covid-19

JUDITH TONNER

An Airdrie minister’s suggestion of a national day of remembrance honouring all those who have died during the pandemic has gained support from local politicians.

Reverend Robbie Hamilton began his weekly moment of reflection in April, and has since been joined by his New Wellwynd parishioners in lighting a candle and observing a silence each Sunday evening to remember those who have passed away.

It has inspired Alex Neil MSP and Neil Gray MP to support his idea for an annual nationwide event; and they plan to write to both the First Minister and Prime Minister asking for their help to make it happen.

Central Scotland representative Richard Leonard has also given his backing to the suggestion.

Reverend Hamilton told the Advertiser he is “delighted” by the support, and said: “I feel we should be doing something tangible as a nation to offer support to those who have lost a loved one and to respect those who have died.

“I think this now helps to get the conversation started about what we could do.

“St Paul’s Cathedral has an online memory book – we should probably have somethig nationally, but perhaps local authorities could open online memory books as well.”

Reverend Hamilton says a national remembering of all those who have died would also provide comfort to families whose loved ones have had smaller funerals than normal.

He said: “I’ve conducted 17 funerals since lockdown, and people haven’t been able to have their family, friends and neighbours around them as they usually would.

“Families have cards and calls but not what they would normally have in terms of contact with people; and as a minister, I still can’t get used to not being able to shake hands or give a hug at the end of a service.

“We need to think about how to reflect; about those who have died during this difficult time.”

Mr Neil and Mr Gray have now written to both Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson to ask that a national day of mourning be established by the Scottish and UK parliaments.

Mr Gray said: “The number of people who have sadly lost their lives to this virus is huge; it is only right and proper that they are remembered in some way.

“We want to let people know they are not alone, that they and their loved ones who are no longer with us are thought about.”

Constituency colleague Mr Neil said: “We’re asking them to back this proposal and to encourage everyone to get behind it; and I’m sure that it would also receive the support of all churches and faiths.”

Scottish Labour leader Mr Leonard said: “Losing a loved one is difficult in normal circumstances, but in this pandemic it has been especially difficult.

“I will be encouraging the government to support this initiative and will work with them to identify a suitable day.”