Renfrewshire’s silent tribute
Silence fell at homes, hospitals, f i re stations and offices across Renfrewshire yesterday as people remembered those who have died in the past year.
The minute’s silence to mark a nationwide day of reflection was observed on the first anniversary of lockdown being imposed across the UK on March 23, 2020.
Since then 475 people in Renfrewshire have lost their lives to the virus.
The minute’s silence honoured not only their lives, but everyone who has died during the most challenging period in a generation.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Every single one of those deaths is a tragedy.
“Each one has left a gaping hole in the lives of the people who loved them.
“Yet again today, I want to pass on my condolences to all those who are grieving.”
The First Minister also committed to supporting a number of community memorials and remembrance initiatives, stating it may help families pay tribute to the many thousands of people across Renfrewshire and Scotland who did not get
the funeral they deserve.
Artists from Greenspace Scotland will work with community groups, faith groups and those hit hardest by the pandemic to develop projects such as commemorative gardens, memorials and public artworks.
The First Minister added: “These acts of collective remembrance are especially important, because one of the cruellest aspects of this pandemic has undoubtedly been its impact on our ability to grieve.
“I hope that today’s day of reflection - and the memorials that communities will plan - will help.
“They are a way in which we can begin to pay those we have lost, the tribute that they deserve.”
The minute’s silence in Renfrewshire was led by Provost Lorraine Cameron who has already announced plans to create a permanent memorial in Hawkhead Cemetery to pay tribute to every life that has been lost during the Covid- 19 pandemic, no matter the cause.
The memorial, developed in partnership with Steven Cameron Funeral Directors and McPherson Memorials, will be in place from midApril.
The provost sent her condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one in the past year and thanked locals for following lockdown restrictions in the darkest of winters.
She added: “I’ve been so proud to be provost of Renfrewshire during this time and to see how our community came together to support one another.
“I’d like to particularly pay tribute to all of the NHS staff and key workers right across Renfrewshire, for the unwavering dedication, and for the energy that they put into keeping us all safe.
“Thank you so much.”