An Argyll student has created a Covid-19 tracking website to follow the progress of the virus in Scotland.
John Frace says he hopes the easily digestible information will help people better understand the development of the coronavirus and follow guidelines to stop its spread.
The tracker website at pays particular attention to regional Scottish statistics and has already had more than 400,000 views.
It draws statistics from daily updates produced by Health Protection Scotland and the weekly National Records of Scotland report.
John, based in Dunoon, is studying for a Business and Management BA (Hons) at Argyll College UHI, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands.
He said: “I decided to make the website as I think it’s important to know what the situation in Scotland is.
“Even more so, I think it’s important to know what the situation is in your local area.”
Meanwhile, university researchers are seeking funding to study the effects the pandemic and lockdown is having on rural communities.
The division of rural health and wellbeing team at the University of the Highlands and Islands has identified concerns relating to NHS staff, the third sector and the economy.
It has applied for funding, in partnership with the James Hutton Institute, Voluntary Health Scotland, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and the National Rural Mental Health Forum, to research these areas.
Dr Sarah-Anne Munoz, a reader in rural health and wellbeing at the university, said Covid-19 could have particular mental health implications for NHS staff in rural areas, where teams are often small and lone working is common.
“It’s important to understand how we can best support these staff through the current crisis and with any longer-term impacts on their mental wellbeing,” she said.
Research will look at the impact on the rural economy, with many people self-employed or part of a small business, and on the third sector, with fears many may have to close as they rely on older volunteers who are at higher risk from the virus.
It will also examine an upsurge in volunteering and neighbourliness, as well as how some rural residents have rediscovered outdoor spaces.
Click here to visit the website.
