Remembrance book launched for Ayrshire mourners grieving during Covid-19 crisis

An online remembrance book for families who have lost a loved one amid the Covid-19 pandemic has been launched by East Ayrshire Council.

The council unveiled the platform today after announcing staff have witnessed first-hand pain families are facing in the region.

A statement from the local authority said when lockdown began on Monday 23 March, life “changed completely and people had to adjust to a new normal”. 

It said: “The restrictions, necessary to protect the NHS and save lives, have been followed by individuals and communities across Scotland who understand that this is a collective effort that can only be addressed together.

“This sense of togetherness has been difficult to align with the need to be physically separated from our friends, neighbours and families. The world is so different that people are feeling a sense of loss for normality and a loss of control.”

It added: “For those who have lost a loved one during these difficult times this sense of loss has been magnified. Grieving without friends and family and having no physical contact with family attending a funeral has been very painful.”