Scotland falls silent to remember all the lives lost to coronavirus
It's exactly a year since the UK first went into lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19
A minute's silence has been held across the UK, a year to the day since the first coronavirus lockdown was announced, to remember those who died during the pandemic.
The Scottish Parliament's presiding officer Ken Macintosh led the tribute on the garden lobby steps at Holyrood at noon along with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and other party leaders.
He said: “This global pandemic has taken so much from so many. This Parliament stands shoulder to shoulder with all those who have suffered, all those grieving loved ones, and those whose lives have been changed forever.
“As parliamentarians we have heard directly from people who have been sorely affected, but we have also seen our own communities responding with care and understanding.
“This should give us all hope for the future as we seek to rebuild our country.”
Prominent buildings and landmarks throughout the UK will be illuminated later as part of the national day of reflection, including the Kelpies, Wallace Monument and Ness Bridge.
People are encouraged to stand on their doorsteps with phones, candles and torches at 8pm to signify a “beacon of remembrance”.
End of life charity Marie Curie is organising the event, which is being backed by more than 100 organisations, including the emergency services, businesses, charities and community groups.
The Scottish Government is among those supporting the event and is inviting people to take part and to reach out to someone they know is grieving.
The latest National Records of Scotland figures indicate 9,831 deaths were registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, as of March 14.
Ms Sturgeon tweeted: “One year on. Thinking today of all those who have lost a loved one to Covid, and to everyone who continues to make heartbreaking sacrifices as we continue to navigate our way through this terrible ordeal, together.
“Also, many people have lost loved ones to causes other than Covid over the past 12 months. The restrictions in place have made the grieving process even more difficult than it would have been - my thoughts are with you too.”
Speaking to journalists outside her home on Tuesday, she also said: “I'm going to leave politics to others today - my thoughts today, one year on from the country going into lockdown, are with the almost 10,000 families across the country who've lost a loved one and to everybody who's made really painful sacrifices over the past year.
“My priority today is to continue to take the decisions that help get the country through the most difficult times.”
A series of free online talks involving expert panels, bereaved families and celebrities will take place on the day, produced by the Good Grief Festival.
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