A digital reminiscence trail has been created around Perth and Kinross to celebrate the Absent Friends festival which brings people together to remember their loved ones who have died.
Due to social distancing, organisers have formed the new trail which can be followed using QR codes which people can use to download stories, images, quotes and poems around love, loss, remembrance and hope.
The trail will start at the “Selfie Wings” on Perth’s North Inch park, which were created and painted by young carers from Perth, as a space for people to share their reflections of life during Covid-19 on social media.
Emma Oram, who leads the Truacanta Perthshire which funded the project, said: “Now, more than ever, is the time to share our collective experience of how this has been for our communities, especially now that loss is broadcast on a daily basis.
“We hope that the Reminiscence Trail will help people connect and make sense of these strange times.
“We are particularly delighted to have contributions from Jim Mackintosh in the form of four poems, which people will be able to download using the QR codes.”
Jim told The Courier he was happy to get involved in the project.
He said: “These are extraordinary times when anything I can do creatively through my poetry to provide mind-space for anyone to reflect on absent friends, lovers and family is the simplest of gestures which I offer so willingly and in a spirit of kinship.
“I would encourage everyone to take a moment if they can and seek out the trail.”
Perth and Kinross Council will also light up Perth Bridge orange on Sunday evening to mark the event.
Karen Reid, chief executive of the local authority, said: “Everyone has lost someone dear to them, and everyone understands the feeling of loss and heartbreak that comes from missing a loved one.
“Now, more than ever, we need people to have these conversations and offer hope and comfort to those around them who may be struggling to cope.”
The annual event is supported by the Good Life Good Death Good Grief organisation and is also part of the Truacanta Perthshire project, to support compassionate communities in encouraging us to share stories of kindness and care.
The reminiscence trail will run from November 1 to 7.
