A FARMER has told how people living in East Renfrewshire’s rural communities have become increasingly isolated as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Allan Craig, who is president of a discussion group for farmers in the region, said lockdown had made it difficult to organise local events over the past year.

The 53-year-old told the Barrhead News: “Our discussion meetings are probably one of the biggest things to have been impacted by the pandemic, as most of our members are of a certain age and technology often isn’t one of their strongest points.

“We did have a couple of Zoom meetings but attendance was only around half of what we would usually get at face-to-face meetings, with web broadband and connectivity being another issue we face in rural areas.”

Allan, who is based at Rigghill Farm, near Fenwick, also believes the limited number of people allowed to attend markets has prevented farmers from socialising with others.

The dad-of-two said: “From the first week of the pandemic, it went from about 120 people at the cattle market to around 20 or less, as only buyers were allowed in.

“All of a sudden, things as simple as sitting having a bacon roll and complaining about the weather were not taking place at these markets, which had been getting farmers out and talking to other people.

“I think they acted as a release valve, which was no longer there for much of the pandemic.

“I do know there have been mental health issues, such as depression, around not seeing people and the pressures of farming. There are some who have gone months without seeing anybody.”

Stephen McLellan, chief executive of Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH), believes the consequences of being socially disconnected have been brought to the fore by the pandemic.

He added: “The impact of Covid, the necessity to keep a physical distance and isolate, has only compounded the challenge of loneliness.

“RAMH has seen the devastating effect of loneliness on individuals and communities in the last 18 months and we have tried to adapt what we do to offer people the opportunity to reach out to others, albeit via media in the first instance.”

If you need someone to talk to, you can call the Samaritans for free at any time on 116 123.