Covid in Scotland: Scotland shines a light to remember pandemic deaths

The Kelpies were illuminated as part of the national day of reflection

Landmarks have been illuminated and a minute's silence observed across Scotland to remember those who died during the Covid pandemic.

The commemoration came on the one-year anniversary of the country going into the first lockdown.

At Holyrood, all five Scottish party leaders gathered with Presiding Officer Ken McIntosh to pay their respects.

The national day of reflection drew to a close with light tributes to those who lost their lives to the virus.

Encouraged by end-of-life charity Marie Curie, people stood on their doorsteps with phones, candles and torches at 20:00 to signify a "beacon of remembrance".

• The story of Scotland's pandemic

• Families remember loved ones lost to coronavirus

• UK marks one year since the first lockdown

In Glasgow, staff from the city's Royal Infirmary gathered to mark the minute's silence at 12:00 before the bells of the neighbouring cathedral were rung.

A'lana Gregg, a senior charge nurse at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, told BBC Scotland that the sheer volume of patients and relatives not being able to visit have been two of the main challenges of the Covid crisis.

She said: "Life has changed very much for everybody, young and old alike.

"A lot of nurses didn't realise the impact Covid would have on them, obviously you've always looked after sick patients but you've not always had the amount of sick patients we had at the one time.

"It's been quite a sad and trying time and then there's been other times where there's been a really positive outcome and patients have been able to go home."

Glasgow Royal Infirmary staff gather outside the hospital for the minute's silence

The latest National Records of Scotland figures indicate that 9,831 deaths were registered in Scotland where Covid was mentioned on the death certificate, as of 14 March.

Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to the "crucial role" played by frontline workers, from the police to council staff, during the last year.

Speaking in Holyrood, the first minister said: "Many of us, I know, will be thinking especially about our health and care workers.

"We have been reminded once again just how much we owe to their dedication, expertise and compassion.

"No words of thanks can ever be sufficient for the service that has been given over the last year - but I am sure I speak for everyone in the parliament in stressing once again how grateful we are for everything they have done."

Edinburgh Castle was also lit in yellow on Tuesday

MSPs gathered to mark the one-year anniversary of the country going into the first lockdown

Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Mr Macintosh, 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."

'Time to reflect'

Steph Phillips, director of service delivery at NHS 24, said the past year had been the busiest yet for the service.

She added: "This year has been tough for everyone.

"From early 2020 we saw an increase in our call volumes and on our busiest day (14 March) we received 13,849 calls in one day.

"Each call to the service represents a patient who needs support or advice, and our amazing staff have continued to work hard throughout this difficult period to provide this support for the people of Scotland."

Dr David Shackles, joint chairman of Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland, said: "Our thoughts and sympathies go out to all of the families who have lost a loved one to Covid-19.

"On the National Day of Reflection, we are taking the time to reflect on the huge loss that this pandemic has brought and we stand shoulder to shoulder alongside care home staff, who have been working tirelessly to provide exceptional work throughout this time."

• RULES: What are the restrictions in your area?

• LOCKDOWN: Six months that changed our lives

• CASES: Where are the latest cases in Scotland?

• VACCINE: When will Scots be vaccinated against Covid?

• WHO? The people who have died with Covid-19