Cole-Hamilton calls for National Book of Covid Remembrance

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today called for the Scottish Government to create a National Book of Remembrance dedicated to capturing the stories of those affected by the Covid pandemic.  

Mr Cole-Hamilton is calling for a national digital archive which will contain the stories of all those who would like to remember loved ones and tell their stories.

His calls come as the Scottish Covid inquiry asks the public to share their experiences of the pandemic, with a new website being launched to allow members of the public to detail how they thought the government handled the crisis.  

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:  

“15,000 families across Scotland are grieving loved ones lost during this tragic pandemic.  

“Lord Brailsford’s inquiry will play a big part in answering the questions that remain and it is promising to hear that the inquiry will put experiences at its heart by inviting people to share their stories.

“Public inquiries can take years and, inevitably, there will be many thousands of families whose tales do not make it into Lord Brailsford’s final report. That’s why we also need to have a more public form of remembrance which will ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.  

“Alongside the memorial established in Glasgow, I am calling for the government to open a National Book of Remembrance, allowing everyone affected by the pandemic to tell their stories, share life lessons and remember their loved ones.  

“During the Covid pandemic, we have all learned to look out for our neighbours and take care to keep our fellow citizens safe. A national archive like this has an important part to play in explaining the past two years to future generations and allowing us to grieve as a nation.”