TODAY – Thursday, March 11 – marks the one-year anniversary of the first positive Covid test in Argyll and Bute.
In the 365 days since then, 105 lives in the area have been lost, directly or indirectly, as a result of Covid-19, and in Helensburgh and Lomond alone, hundreds of people have tested positive for the disease.
And whether directly affected by Covid or not, we’ve all seen our lives change in ways that we could never have begun to imagine a year ago: working or attending school from home, losing our job or being put on furlough, being unable to see friends or family in any form other than a computer screen.
And to mark that first anniversary we got in touch with just a few of the people on the Advertiser’s contact list to ask what advice they’d give, if they could, to their younger self who, one year ago, was looking ahead with growing worry to what the future might hold.
Here’s what they had to say...
* * * * * * * *
Rosie Sumsion, the member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for the Helensburgh and Lomond area, said: “Get comfortable with change (and with Zoom) and don’t judge the state of the world when you’re about to go to sleep – it will always seem worse.
“Do things that make you happy, and stay in contact with people you care about – you’ll need them.”
READ MORE: Helensburgh Covid cases among lowest in country as vaccine roll-out continues
* * * * * *
Former Advertiser editor Donald Fullarton told us: “Be very, very patient; listen carefully to all the advice; remember that the health professionals have their work cut out, so don’t be surprised if you hear nothing from your usual medical contacts for several months; learn to use Zoom. And enjoy your gardening.”
* * * * * *
Rev Maggie McArthur, the minister at Cardross Parish Church, said: “To paraphrase an old television programme: ‘That was the year that was!’
“Knowing what I do now I think at the onslaught of this pandemic I would have told myself never to lose sight of the sorrow that people would inevitably feel; to hold them in prayer, and try in practical ways to put God’s love into action; to take it one day at a time – remembering the Psalmist’s words when he wrote, ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble’.
“Take each day’s troubles as they come, and don’t worry about what tomorrow brings. In an ever-changing world God never changes. All earthly things will pass but God will remain faithful.”
* * * * * *
Jade McPherson, who bravely spoke to the Advertiser last summer about her pre-pandemic experience as a survivor of domestic abuse, said: “Twelve months ago, I would have told myself life will be extremely tough. Everything is going to change, but just know, this year will be the making of you. So hang in there.
“This is the beginning of the rest of my life. Life is too short and you have to live every day to its fullest.”
READ MORE: Helensburgh woman describes three years of horrific domestic abuse by ex-partner
* * * * * *
Rev Mitchell Bunting, minister at the United Reformed Church in Helensburgh, told us: “I was already recording some Sunday services to pass on to housebound members so was geared up a bit for the great change to how churches would operate in the coming year.
“However, my retrospective advice would be to sign up in advance for a film-making course as so many of us ministers have had to turn to making weekly videos and broadcasting live from empty church buildings.
“A year on, many of our church members are now familiar with using online resources, notably Zoom, but many have not been in a position to stay connected in this way.
“My advice to myself a year ago would to plan ahead and think of ways to keep everyone connected in the isolating times ahead.”
* * * * * *
Derek Clark, the director of music at Helensburgh Parish Church, said: “My advice to myself a year ago would be firstly not to underestimate the benefits of technology - Zoom meetings may be tiresome, but they help keep people in touch and ‘together.’ Who would have thought they would become as necessary as they have, for social as well as business reasons?
“Then, to use the enforced ‘free time’ positively to make sure anything you do is done as well as it can be - there’s much less need to rush things.
“Above all, remember that everyone else is in the same situation, so there’s no point in moaning about it – get on and help make it better for everybody by doing what you can.
“Sometimes little things mean a lot more to people than grand gestures.”
* * * * * *
Morag Young, from the Helensburgh and Gareloch Horticultural Society, said: “If I had known last March the devastating disruption that Covid would cause I don’t think I would have done anything different.
“We are so lucky in Helensburgh with our open spaces, woodland walks and community, and thank goodness for the internet and telephone.”
* * * * * *
Roy Bain, from the Helensburgh branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, added: “We’re not going dancing for a while – plan other activities to keep you occupied and fit.
“Teach yourself how to make better use of your computer – Zoom and videos etc to keep in touch with class members
“Try something new. Plan to do all the jobs around the house you have been putting off. And keep in touch with friends.”
READ MORE: First Minister announces lockdown rule change
* * * * * *
Diana Macintosh, chair of the Helensburgh and district committee of the Save the Children charity, said: “The advice I would give myself is not very different from the way I have actually coped with the past year.
“Do something constructive every day, e.g. gardening, baking, clearing out a cupboard or room, make one or two phone calls – helps you you feel better as well as those you phone, you hope! – have a good walk every day and, most of all, accept and enjoy a much more relaxed way of life.
“Try to take up a new hobby - something I am afraid that I haven’t done as I don’t seem to have had the time!”
* * * * * *
Helensburgh community councillor John Tacchi suggested: “Arrange home deliveries from local shops early before all the slots are taken. Join online clubs, and ring all your friends on a regular basis – it’s good to keep in touch.”
* * * * * *
Margaret Cameron, from Helensburgh Art Club, said: “Our lack of contact with family and friends has been hard but every cloud has a silver lining.
“Be glad of all the extra time to get on with all the things you said you didn’t have time to do. Spring is in the air and brighter days are ahead.”
* * * * * *
And Sheenah Nelson, from Helensburgh Garelochside Rotary, who has been stuck indoors for most of the past year, said: “I have been really quite touched by the number of people who have kept in touch.
“I had a lovely bunch of sunflowers from a former pupil, and another parent of a former pupil arrived on our doorstep to say ‘I shop for my dad each Friday, is there anything I can get for you?’.
“Just little acts of kindness go a long way to lift your spirits when you are stuck at home with no shops, no supermarket, no-one inside your home.
“Our butcher has delivered an order each week, and the visits from the lovely Hannah, from our online supermarket weekly shop, and a young friend who collects our prescription are the highlight of our week.”
Keep up with the latest Helensburgh and Lomond headlines here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here