Twelve months ago, the first lockdown was announced on March 23. Now, at last, there is hope that the vaccine can help us start to return to normality and begin the long road to recovery.

Here we take stock by looking back at some of the images that have made the last year so memorable for so many reasons.

Despite the pain and grief caused for too many people in our communities here in Caithness and the Highlands, and across the world, there have been moments where people have stood together and shown the true kindness and compassion that we hope will define this moment in time.

Uncertainties remain about the future for so many of us, but only by reflecting on the past can we learn and move forwards.

Our galleries include just a small selection of the pictures that have helped to define a year like no other in Caithness and north Sutherland – from the first days of lockdown in the spring of 2020 through events and occasions marked like never before and now to the smiles of optimism as people head for their vaccinations.

Brightening up dark days

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A helping hand in the community

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Business as not-so-usual

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Special occasions

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Vaccination hope and help

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