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Touching moments of 2020 for Scots revealed in new research


By Alan Beresford

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AS we head towards the end of a turbulent year, new research has revealed the challenges of 2020 have made Scottish residents kinder and more caring towards one another, with a quarter admitting they have been brought to tears by a random act of kindness.

ZOONO Infographic
ZOONO Infographic

Inspired by the fundraising efforts of individuals up and down the country, a sense of national camaraderie and seeing neighbours rally round together, over 40 percent of those living Scotland have felt encouraged to help and support others in some way over the last twelve months.

Almost 80 percent of residents have been touched by a heart-warming story in the news since the start of the pandemic, with Captain Sir Thomas Moore raising money for the NHS on his 100th birthday voted ‘the most touching moment of 2020’, according to those living in Scotland.

The weekly clap for NHS professionals, seeing key workers reunited with their loved ones, and observing an abundance of rainbow paintings in home windows, were also among the acts of kindness that touched Scots most.

West Brom Albion footballers phoning elderly fans during the first lockdown, Princess Beatrice wearing the Queen’s gown for her socially distanced wedding, and the national teddy bear hunt in windows across the country, were also chosen in the top 20 list.

Despite 2020 being a tough year for many, more than half people believe there have been many positive outcomes from the challenges, according to research among 2,000 residents across the United Kingdom conducted by Zoono, the hand and surface sanitiser brand.

Valuing our lives more (42 percent), appreciating the little things (41 percent), as well as being more caring and considerate to others (37 percent) are among the list of silver linings voted for by the British public.

Following the global pandemic, almost a quarter of Brits now feel more resilient (23 percent) and are less likely to worry about small problems in their lives (23 percent). Many Brits feel stronger having made it through the challenges they have faced this year (22 percent).

Being reunited with loved ones after lockdown (22 percent), receiving a phone call from someone they hadn’t spoken to in a long time (15 percent) and watching people support small local businesses (15 percent), were among the acts that have personally touched most Brits over the last year.

Jamal McCleary, General Manager at ZOONO, said: “It has been truly heart-warming to see people come closer together this year as so many have strived to protect the wellbeing of loved ones and neighbours.”

The Top 10 Most Touching Moments of 2020 (Scotland ranking):

1. Captain Sir Thomas Moore raising money for the NHS on his 100th birthday.

2. The first clap for NHS carers.

3. Seeing key workers reunited with their loved ones.

4. Rainbow paintings in windows.

5. Announcement of the Covid-19 vaccine.

6. Hero welcomes for key workers in supermarkets.

7. School children sending morale-boosting letters to care home residents.

8. Schoolgirl completing 7.1 million 'keepy uppies' for charity: one for every key worker in the UK.

9. Postman in fancy dress to keep residents' spirits high.

10. Socially distanced Victory in Europe (VE) Day celebrations.



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