In the Highlands and Islands, small communities are making big efforts to support each other.
As the number of cases increase and events further and further into the future are cancelled – such as July’s Highland Games and Highland Pride – north politicians have urged people to take action over the “pandemic”.
Shetland’s confirmed cases are now into double-digits and Inverness residents have long been greeted by the presence of a coronavirus testing tent at Raigmore Hospital.
But communities are being urged to “come together” to provide support to their members and help ease anxieties.
‘We did everything that we were told’: Shetland couple speak out after positive coronavirus results https://t.co/ZpuAFFXpwx pic.twitter.com/sa4zFFfMFJ
— The Press & Journal (@pressjournal) March 13, 2020
In the village of Taynuilt, in Argyll and Bute, the team at the Ardanaiseig Hotel have offered free food and delivery to their older neighbours, humbly saying it is “the least we could do”.
Bosses Christine and David Fox and their staff are in touch with local residents who might not be able to make it out to supermarkets or restaurants.
Ms Fox posted on Facebook: “These are unprecedented times and we are a close knit community. Let’s stick together and get through this together.
And yesterday, speaking to the Press and Journal, she added: “We were at a village hall meeting on Friday night and knew how serious things were at that point.
“A lot of people in the area are elderly or retired and self-isolating due to low immunity or other fears.
“We hope this reassures older people that we care and want to help in any way we can.
“We called round some neighbours yesterday and they did seem grateful.
“We already provide our staff with two free meals a day, so doing this just felt natural.”
Across the Highlands, other restaurants are offering free delivery.
A morning call telephone service is available to any older people in #Inverness, Inverness-shire and Ross-shire communities who are lonely/isolated.
With Coronavirus affecting the region, if you/someone you know would like a daily morning call please contact them for more info. pic.twitter.com/j3qJS5xmSG
— John Erskine (@johnerskine) March 16, 2020
Little Italy Family Restaurant in Inverness posted on Facebook: “If things get bad in Inverness and businesses are forced to shut down, we will deliver our food to your door.
“And where ever possible, if you are older and need a little help we will do it for free.
“Let’s try to look after one another.”
Despite no confirmed cases to date, on Orkney a Mutual Aid Group was founded on Facebook by concerned citizen Sarah MacGregor.
More than 1,000 people have already joined to offer deliveries to people self isolating, but also to offer “friendly phone calls” to people across the country.
