A COMMUNITY memorial paying tribute to those who lost their lives to Covid-19 in East Lothian could be created within the next 12 months.

More than 140 deaths were attributed to coronavirus in East Lothian between March 2020 and January this year, with a further 18,000 positive cases of the virus recorded over the same time period.

East Lothian Council is working with greenspace scotland to commission an artist or creative practitioner with a background in “co-creative, participatory practice to work with local groups and communities to cocreate a Covid community memorial as part of the Remembering Together programme for East Lothian”.

Kenny MacAskill, East Lothian’s MP, backed the plans. He said: “Covid has been cruel to so many and anything assisting in the grieving process and providing comfort is to be welcomed.

“Many died alone or absent from their loved ones.

“A public place to remember is therefore fitting. All steps towards that are to be encouraged and assisted.”

Provost John McMillan welcomed the idea.

He said: “The pandemic has had a profound and long-lasting impact on many in our communities.

"It’s important to take the opportunity to remember and honour all those who have been affected and also those who continue to struggle.

"While this is still at an early stage, Remembering Together is an opportunity for communities to come together to look at what we might create in order to give opportunities  for reflection.”

Plans are still in the very early stages, with the call for expression of interest closing on Sunday and shortlisted applicants were to be contacted to submit proposals yesterday (Thursday).

Selected artists will be interviewed next month, with artists selected and work with the community beginning in mid-April.

According to the brief for East Lothian: “The artist/practitioner will have experience of working in co-creation approaches with diverse communities.

“The process will need to give space to all kinds of experience, from those with connection to people who have lost lives to Covid, those who have lost their lives to other illnesses during the pandemic and all those who have experienced change, loss and isolation in other ways. It will also acknowledge the ways in which citizens continue to support each other.”

The artist will be supported by East Lothian Council Arts Service and the project working group.

It remains to be seen what form the memorial could take.

The brief reads: “The commissioned artist will work with people in the community to define what ‘memorial’ means for that specific place.

“Some communities will want a place they can go, some will want a structure they can visit and to see their loved ones named.

“Other communities may want to co-create music, movement, film, an online project, a series of events and gatherings or a travelling book.”