West Lothian Provost’s New Year message

Councillor Kerr was full of praise for how the people of West Lothian have coped during the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, pulling together as a community. And he passed on his condolences to anyone who lost friends or family during the ongoing crisis.

He said: “There’s no doubt that 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in living memory.

“The word unprecedented has been used a lot this year, but I think is very apt to describe the circumstances we have all been dealing with for most of 2020.

“There’s no doubt that many West Lothian families have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.

“My sincere sympathies go out to everyone who has lost a loved one, with the effect is also felt in all areas of community life including family, employment, education and more for many.

“However, we did see a real positive to emerge in the last year, in the amazing rise in community spirit across West Lothian, with more people coming together to help those who need it.

“There have been fantastic examples of West Lothian individuals and groups going to huge efforts to support those who need it.

“There are too many to name, but I’d like to thank everyone who went above and beyond to help our communities in the last year.

“Your hard work and dedication have helped get us all through a hugely challenging time.”

Looking forward to 2021 and the continued rollout of the coronavirus vaccines giving us all light at the end of this pandemic tunnel, Cllr Kerr revealed his hopes for continued community spirit in the year ahead as we look to bounce back from a difficult year for all.

He added: “With vaccines now being rolled out, it hopefully means the end of the pandemic is in sight and we can get back to normal in the near future.

“My hope is that we can take the positive out of an otherwise difficult year into the future.

“If we can carry forward some of the incredible community spirit we have seen this year into 2021, we can make an even better normal than we had before.

“Best wishes to you and your family over the Festive period.”