REMEMBER

When clock strikes noon, Scotland will fall silent

TODAY at noon, the country will fall silent to remember the lives lost to Covid-19.

The latest figures show 7552 people in Scotland have died of coronavirus but the true figure is much higher, with the most recent National Record of Scotland statistics for confirmed and suspected deaths sitting at 9831.

The Daily Record is today remembering some of those who passed away after catching the virus.

Some are elderly people who were robbed of their last precious years with their families.

Some are much younger and had their futures stolen.

Others are NHS or care workers who sacrificed their lives to help during the pandemic.

Marie Curie, in conjunction with bereaved families groups such as Covid-19 Families Scotland, has organised a day of remembrance on the anniversary of the first lockdown coming into effect.

Back then, no one could have estimated how many people would die and how the country would still be living with severe restrictions a year later.

Tonight, some of Scotland’s most iconic buildings will be bathed in yellow light in remembrance – including the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh; the Kelpies, near Falkirk; and the Wallace Monument, near Stirling.

As well as the silence at noon, people across Scotland have been asked to stand outside with a light – a candle, a torch or a phone – at 8pm to remember those who died and to show their support to people who are going through a bereavement.

Alternatively, you can shine a light from your window.

Marie Curie executive director Meredith Niles said: “Millions of us have been unable to say a proper goodbye or comfort our family, friends and colleagues in their grief.

“With so many of us losing someone close, our shared sense of loss is incomparable to anything felt in our lifetime.

“We need to acknowledge this and recognise we are not alone.

“Although our losses will be felt for years to come, the National Day of Reflection gives us a moment to reflect on our collective loss as well as taking time to support those close to us who are dealing with feelings of isolation and loss.”