As our country went into lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus, we were asked to put our lives on hold for the greater good. To stay home, protect the NHS, and save lives. And we did.
But parts of our society had to carry on. We asked more of our doctors and nurses, who had to turn up at hospitals every day. We asked more of our bus drivers, who had to take them there. We asked more of our delivery drivers, whose service went from a luxury to a lifeline.
We asked more of our shopkeepers and their staff, too. And they delivered. All across the country, the 47,000 people who work at Scotland’s 5,000 convenience stores quickly adapted to make sure they could serve us. Creating one-way systems. Devising methods to maximise customers in the store while maintaining a safe social distance. Erecting screens to protect their staff.