Ross-shire rallies to combat coronavirus threat; Volunteers step up and businesses adapt to tackle massive COVID-19 knock-on impact across Ross
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THE unprecedented impact of the escalating coronavirus crisis is sparking remarkable responses from resilient Ross-shire communities determined to fight back against a threat to every aspect of people's lives.
Mounting pressure on the health service, the closure of schools, leisure centres, libraries and museums and concerns about food supply and jobs have sparked challenges unseen since wartime.
Dingwall-based MSP Kate Forbes, who in her finance minister role has been working to alleviate the massive impact on business, told us: "There is no doubt that we are living in unprecedented times. But in amongst the many negatives that the health service and the government are seeking to mitigate, what gladdens my heart are the countless acts of kindness I have seen on display.
"And while there is a medical need for social distancing, we cannot and must not forget the most vulnerable members in our communities.That’s what has been motivating so many groups, charities, organisations, businesses, and individuals to do what they can to look out for one another, particularly those most at risk. The community response already has been fantastic and I am sure it will inspire others to help."
Conservative Highland and Islands MSP Edward Mountain said: "Everyone knows the generosity of Highlanders. I am seeing more and more small acts of kindness that prove how much we care for each other. Pulling together to help our neighbours, especially the elderly and most vulnerable during these uncertain times is what we need to do and we are doing."
Community groups, businesses and concerned individuals across the county have come up with practical ways to try and ensure the most vulnerable don't slip through the net.
Restaurants facing an uncertain future are devising takeaway and delivery options in a bid to keep staff in work and to reach out to the growing number of people self-isolating or unable to get out.
High Life Highland yesterday announced the "difficult decision" to close all archive centres, libraries, leisure centres, museums and swimming pools in line with government advice to minimise social contact.
Schools not already closed will shut today with uncertainty hanging over when they might re-open. Exams have been cancelled for the first time in living history.
Across Ross-shire, though, communities are responding.
Tain and District Development Trust, which has leveraged thousands of pounds for community projects, said yesterday that though its hub will close, staff working from home will be pulling out all the stops to connect people in need. Chairwoman Sarah Mackenzie said: "Alone we can do so little but together we can do so much. In these trying times, coming together has never been more important". Anyone able to help can call 01862 857185.
The Red Poppy restaurant in Strathpeffer has rapidly devised a home delivery service for people self-isolating. It has received requests from as far afield as Tain.
Likewise the Highland Farm Cafe near Evanton has come up with home delivery – both well-received locally.
Community councils and individuals everywhere from Evanton to Fortrose, Nigg, Shadwick, Tain and Wester Ross are setting up local groups to help the most vulnerable.
Cromarty Parent Council summed up the growing mood of defiance: "We are a resilient bunch and will help each other through this."
Munro Fruit Merchants in Tain is offering a drive-through fruit and vegetable service.
It informed locals: "If you are concerned or vulnerable then Munros are offering a drive through service."
It gives people a chance to place an order online or by phone and have an order made up and placed in the boot of a car without any need for personal contact. "Instead of stocking up on Pot Noodles and poor quality foods we can supply good quality fresh fruit and vegetables, local free range eggs and fresh milk."
They are also offering to deliver to self-isolating customers in Tain.
It says: "Together we are stronger. If we can help, please contact us." It has a website at www.munrotain.co.uk
Many grateful responses calling it "a brilliant idea". One wrote: "People are like locusts, supermarkets are packed with bulk buyers grabbing everything in sight. We should all support local shops while we still have them, not just in a crisis."
Dryburgh Bikes in Dingwall asking customers with symptoms not to visit but offering to collect and deliver bikes across Ross-shire for repair. It says: "NHS suggest you all keep fit so we will keep you on the road."
The Museum Coffee Shop in Strathpeffer: "Things are going to be tough with the huge drop in tourism over the next few months.We will be putting together a menu for takeaway meals and will do meals on wheels for those who are unable to get out. We will keep you all posted!"
The Spar in Dingwall is also adapting by offering free home delivery for customers who are self-isolating or particularly vulnerable. Orders will be delivered twice daily 11am and 4pm on four items or more. "Take care everyone and stay safe."
It has been shared more than 100 times. Trish Macleod wrote: "Well done, that's a great response to the situation we are in and will be a great help for many of your customers. Brilliant."
The Morning Call charity is also stepping up its efforts. It offers a daily morning call to any old person in the Ross-shire and Inverness areas.
"Our free daily morning call telephone service is available to any older people in communities who are lonely/isolated.With the ongoing coronavirus situation we are very aware of the social isolation older people are facing. If you or someone you know would like a daily morning call please contact us for more information.https://morningcall.org.uk/what-we-offer/
It can be called on 0751 449 4053.
At the Invergordon Coop, "team Inver G" says it has been trying to come up with a plan to help our elderly customers without adding to fear or confusion.
It said: "So if you have a family member who would like to phone in there shopping order we will deliver it. Orders must be made before 11am and will be delivered between 2-4pm."
To find out more, call 01349 852411
A social media post has been shared hundreds of times. Lee Mackenzie wrote: "Brilliant idea.Huge thanks to all involved."
Lochcarron Community Development Company has spread a message via Facebook. It said: "We are doing free deliveries a couple of times a day to customers who don’t want to come to the shop or are self-isolating. Please phone 01520 722209 and leave an order. Payment can be made over the phone or by BACS. Please spread the word as many people are not on Facebook. We would really like to help our community at this difficult time so please please don’t hesitate to ask for our help! Take care everyone, Emma and Hector xx".
Conon Bridge pharmacy meanwhile is preparing for staff absence with a call for volunteers who can help with deliveries.
Community activist Vee Walker on the Black Isle wrote: "Cup half full or cup half empty? It is so hard to stay positive at present I know. I too am guilty of spending far too much time on social media getting thoroughly spooked by events. But what does worrying achieve? Inspired by our brilliant local cafes etc many of whom are starting to do takeaway meals, today I gave myself a good talking to and decided to do something practical to try and help my neighbours, some of whom are quite elderly. I put an invitation through the door of every house within my area of Fortrose, about 15 households (I reckon 20 maximum in a group without it getting unwieldy). It invited people to join the group so we can support anyone who falls ill or who just needs a hand with shopping."
It has been well-received and can be run contact and cash-free with the group member able to pick up and deliver items then photographing a receipt, sharing it with the beneficiary and recompensated by bank transfer. She is offering to share a template for the scheme with anyone interested.
Cromarty Stores was also this week looking at arrangements for a grocery delivery service in conjunction with the Cromarty Care Project. It has been looking for volunteers to help with the delivery.
Sutor Creek Café and The Royal are both starting delivery services.
Activists are looking to provide an update daily both on Cromarty Live and Facebook. They said: "There is a lot going on at the moment - and we will do our utmost over the coming period to make sure everyone in our community is supported."
Share your stories, experiences and pictures with us by emailing hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
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