People during lockdown Bill Cuthbertson

It has been interesting to study the moods, behaviour and attitude of others during this period. With ample time to study what is going on around about us, the majority of people where we live on this private country estate are satisfied with the Scottish Leadership and its handling of the situation. ​

They obey the rules faithfully and truly understand why the restrictions are there.  It's not too apparent but maybe there is fear of the devastating illness to follow if one has contact with the virus. ​
The BBC News nightly shows film of sickly and dying patients and relatives of those who have not survived.  This daily reminder is surely enough to persuade the viewer that the rules are to protect life, stop the virus from spreading further, and must be observed.
From a purely local observation point this is not the case for all and some deviation from the rules occurs.  Observation continues during visits to the local supermarkets where the greatest care has been taken to ensure safe shopping and most customers obey the social distancing rules.
On occasions however people forget about or ignore the social distancing parameters and approach others within the two metres prescribed.  Neighbours and friends have been observed, on a small number of occasions, to enter the houses of lockdown.  Although socialising in groups is forbidden one or two groups have been meeting outside for walking together, maybe one group of about 15 or another group taking coffee together outside their home.  This breaks the rules of socialising which is only permitted outside with members of your own household.  Other individuals who live alone have been noted entering their similarly single friend's home for a meal and this has become a regular practice.  There is some concern and a little anxiety in our area over these observations but it would appear that no one has complained and the situation continues.  There may be an aftermath later since the majority of the residents are offended by these challenges to the Government Rulings, and find such behaviours unacceptable.  This is a situation of pure challenge by those who object to the restrictions and try to build a rebel group.  This has not succeeded and has only tarnished the reputation of the initiators. 
Most people around us are fairly content with the lockdown rules, and expect them to continue.  Some are tired of their own company if they live alone - one friend simply stated that she was "scunnered" by the isolation.  No further explanation required!  Reading, watching television, doing jigsaws, talking on the telephone, listening to the radio, music appreciation, spring cleaning are all pastimes being currently enjoyed to pass the time.  Houses in some quarters have never looked cleaner!  Others have taken on a "tatty" appearance awaiting the return of the faithful servant who takes care normally of such affairs. (Most regulars are expected and anticipated to return later).
Some fit and healthy volunteers offer to help less able people with their shopping and deliver it to their doors.  This is much admired since it is at their own risk and much appreciated by the recipients.
One small boy from our Kids' Kirk at East Church designed a rainbow painting of the days of deliverance to follow and was requested to produce more and more for the residents of our estate at Inchmarlo.  His older sister, between home study lessons, has taken time to speak to an elderly person, very much on her own, and make her aware that she had not been forgotten.
When out shopping it feels good to be trusted and welcomed as a regular customer.  Even the local butcher was forgiving when I arrived for our weekly order without my wallet and cash cards.  I chose what I wanted, thanked him most kindly, drove home fast and telephoned my credit card details in payment of my debt.  Most people in this crisis are a delight to know and new lasting friendships are being made constantly!
 
THIS IS AN EXTRACT AND ONE CHAPTER OF A COMPLETE ESSAY ENTITLED "LIVING WITH THE MENACE OF CORONA" WHICH IS NOT YET COMPLETED.
 
BILL CUTHBERTSON                           21ST MAY 2020