Celebrate our local champions
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At this time of unprecedented change in our everyday lives, it is heartening to see people in our communities are showing such kindness and compassion to others.
These good news stories are the ones we hold onto as we deal with the stresses and strains, worries and losses that coronavirus is bringing to our world.
Today we are launching a new feature to celebrate those people who have stepped up to the mark during this ongoing struggle that is affecting everyone in society in ways we have never seen before in peacetime.
From frontline NHS workers to neighbours looking out for each other, the community spirit that binds us is now stronger than it has ever been.
Here at Highland News & Media (HNM), we want to shine a spotlight on those people who are going above and beyond to help others at this terribly difficult time.
There are no shortage of heroes in this part of the world, whether it is somebody who has helped set up a local group to distribute food to those in isolation or just a good neighbour checking those nearby are in good health and good spirits.
It could be a key worker, putting themselves and their family at risk to help fulfil a vital role; a business which has changed what it does to help out those in need of extra help or to provide the NHS and others with vital equipment; or a volunteer helping services continue to run during the restrictions.
David Bourn, editorial director at HNM, said: "The impact of coronavirus and the restrictions it has placed on our lives have been huge, but as ever the people of the north of Scotland have really shown what they are made of.
"Businesses that cannot operate in their usual way have found ingenious ways of adapting to help those in need and individuals have put their head above the parapet to lend their support to initiatives that are keeping people connected and, in some cases, keeping them fed.
"Our new Community Champions feature will put just some of these people in the spotlight. It is our small way of saying thank you for all that they are doing.
"So tell us about the heroes in your neighbourhood, and let them know how much you appreciate all that they are doing for others around them."
To tell us about your community champions, send an email to community.champions@hnmedia.co.uk including the name of the person you are nominating; the town, village or street where they live; details of why you think they deserve recognition; a photograph of the person if you have one; plus the person's contact details if possible.
We will publish the stories of your champions in our weekly Community Champions feature, starting from next week.
