Scotland falls silent to remember Covid victims

A minute’s silence was held at noon to mark the anniversary of the country going into lockdown.

Scotland has fallen silent as people across the country mark one year of the coronavirus lockdown. 

A minute’s silence organised by end-of-life charity Marie Curie was held at noon.

The National Day of Remembrance will see people remember those who have died due to Covid-19 and to show support to the millions of people who are bereaved. 

Police officers in Aberdeen observed the minute of silence.STV News

Phones, candles and torches will also be lit at doorsteps across the country in a ‘beacon of remembrance’ at 8pm.

Prominent buildings and landmarks will also be illuminated as part of the day, including the Kelpies, Wallace Monument and Ness Bridge.

Party leaders gathered for the minute’s silence on the garden lobby steps at Holyrood, led by Ken Macintosh, the Scottish Parliament’s presiding officer.

Party leaders gathered outside Holyrood to pay their respects.STV News

Staff at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital stood outside the building to mark the anniversary, while staff at Erskine Care Home lay flowers to remember those lost during the pandemic.

The yellow sunflowers and tulips represent their hopes for a brighter future.

Flowers laid by staff at Erskine Care Home to remember those lost during the pandemic. STV News

Latest figures from the National Records of Scotland show that almost 10,000 deaths have been registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate as of March 14.

On Tuesday, the First Minister paid tribute to those who had lost their lives during the pandemic.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “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.”

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