Dingwall ponders post-lockdown celebration for key staff and volunteers
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A proposal for Ross-shire’s market town to stage community ceilidh to thank front line workers in the NHS and elsewhere after the government has lifted the lockdown has received a resounding thumbs up.
The idea was the brainchild of community councillors and Dingwall stalwart Andrew McIvor who wants to thank front line workers in the NHS and elsewhere, as well as those working hard in the community to deliver vital supplies to the vulnerable.
There is no thought to staging any gathering of any kind amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic but Mr MacIvor believes there is no harm in planning for when the town is free to get together, saying “people need something to look forward to”.
Mr MacIvor first floated his idea online writing: “When Covid-19 has passed us by, I think our local community should have one hell of a ceilidh to celebrate our wonderful key workers. What do you think?”
The response online was overwhelmingly in favour as the post attracted scores of likes and comments from locals either urging him to deliver on his plan or expressing their approval.
He said: “As I am in what is considered to be one of the vulnerable groups. I could not volunteer as I would normally do so I thought about how I could help my community.
“So I was thinking about how we can bring our community together again and thank our key workers after this terrible virus has passed us by and I first thought of a ceilidh in the Cromartie car park to celebrate our wonderful community.
“We would only consider doing something like that when it is safe to do so after our governments say so basically. At the moment we cannot possibly say when this would take place, it could be this year or it could be next year.
“We have a small team put together to organise the event but we will know more at the end of April but if it happens we would need a team of volunteers to bring this off and help from local businesses for plant and equipment.
“The aim is to celebrate all the kindness shown to our community by the key workers, volunteers, and all the staff at the council and the supermarkets and shops who have continued working.”
The idea has even won the support of local MSP Kate Forbes who said: “I know that times are very difficult for everybody just now. Many people are making profound sacrifices in order to follow the rules. I understand the pain and worry that involves.
“That’s why it is important to remember that one day this will pass – not yet, but one day it will. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and I am sure we are all dreaming about that day.
“That’s why it is great to see Andrew MacIvor making plans for after the pandemic has passed and it is safe to go out. We will have to wait until it is safe to do so, but when it is safe, I look forward to seeing my friends and family.”
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