Swinney offers ‘condolences’ to Covid-19 families ahead of day of remembrance
Scotland’s First Minister has expressed his “deepest condolences” to Scots who lost a loved one during the pandemic ahead of a day of remembrance.
The annual Covid-19 Day of Reflection is due to take place on Sunday, with John Swinney laying a wreath at a national memorial to mark the fifth anniversary of the pandemic.
On March 23 2020, the UK went into lockdown as the virus struck, sparking two years of restrictions in an effort to stem its spread.
Speaking alongside Holyrood’s party leaders, First Minister John Swinney – who served as Nicola Sturgeon’s deputy throughout the pandemic – said: “I express my deepest condolences to all those who lost family and friends, including those who are able to join us here in the chamber today.
“It is our solemn duty as leaders and as public servants to mark the day of reflection, and to ensure that those who died are remembered by us all.”
He added: “The annual day of reflection offers us all the opportunity to remember lives lost, to reflect on the sacrifice of many and to provide space for people to consider their experiences of the pandemic in a way that suits them best.
“On Sunday, as always, we will remember.”
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay paid his “deep respects” to those who died as a result of Covid-19, but questioned the effectiveness of restrictions being levelled against the public for so long.
He added: “Today, as we mark the fifth anniversary of the pandemic, our thoughts are with all of those who lost loved ones, but I think we have now reached a stage where the Scottish Government can no longer deploy Covid as an excuse for all of their failings.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the pandemic turned Scotland and the world “upside down”, adding: “We all remember the anxiety and uncertainty of those early days, a country plunged into lockdown overnight, restrictions on daily life unseen in generations, yet in the face of such upheaval, people came together.
“Sacrifices were made, not of obligation, but of care for family, friends and neighbours.
“It was a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the kindness that defines our communities.”
But the “human cost” of the pandemic was “profound”, the Labour leader said.
“As we reflect on the past five years, we must acknowledge both the strength we showed and the lessons we must learn,” he added.
“The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in our society and placed extraordinary pressure on our public services.
“Mistakes were made and too often those on the front line did not get the support they needed.”
