You just never know, do you? A couple of months back most of us had never heard of COVID-19. I thought it was the latest Russian rocket heading for the space station. But it wasn't and how things have changed.

Islay has a fairly precarious economy at the best of times. Tourism is probably the biggest slice of the pie. Whisky helps this pie enormously giving Islay a unique profile and attracting visitors from all over the world.  For now, all of that is gone. You can't get onto the Island unless you are a local or you are providing some sort of essential service. And while it's a blow for all the people who love Islay and visit often, we all have to accept that, for now anyway, Islay is off-limits unless you're a very good swimmer.  

It would be short-sighted for us all to congregate on the island. Without being able to control this pesky virus, all our world-wide economies are at risk in the longer term. A bit of severe tourism pain will pay us all benefits in the not-to-distant future. As long as governments get the balance right anyway. No point in worrying about that for now. 

So, sit tight . If you're lucky enough still to be working, and to be healthy, then put aside a little of your hard-earned cash to spend on Islay when you finally get there. 

On the island there are NHS workers keeping the small hospital going. It may not be a COVID-19 hot-spot, but keeping folks under observation in Bowmore is a far better alternative to taking up hospital beds in Glasgow. Well done to them. And to the boys that collect our garbage and recycling in all weathers around the island. They haven't stopped either. There are people keeping the broadband upgrades going, teams making sure there is electricity across the island, and our ever-reliable co-op staff doing their very best to fill the shelves and put food on the plates of the Islanders. 

We'll all be welcome back when the all-clear sounds. In the mean time lie back and think of Islay.