Plans are underway for a thank you cèilidh for staff and residents at Dun Berisay care home.
The Stornoway care facility has been at the centre of a Covid cluster with 11 residents and eight staff testing positive.
Local musicians, who performed online throughout the lockdown are preparing a special cèilidh for the care home in a show of solidarity.
Care workers from other parts of the service have been assisting their colleagues.
Jack Libby, head of community care at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “This has been a very challenging time for employees, residents and their families. I can only express admiration for the fortitude shown by all in coping. The cèilidh is a small but significant way of saying we’re thinking of you as you all face this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Malcolm Burr, the comhairle’s chief executive, has written to all those working at Dun Berisay to say thank you.
The letter states: "The past week has been an extremely anxious time for you all as you wait for test results and continue to care for the residents at Dun Berisay. It is important to remember at times like this that we have all been preparing for Covid for over a year now and we can be assured by all the infection prevention measures and the vaccination programme you have had in place and supported throughout that period.
“But with restrictions throughout society easing, it is inevitable that some cases of Covid will appear from time to time in all sectors.
"Our thoughts are with colleagues, residents and their families affected by Covid or who are having to isolate as a result or precaution.
“It is credit to you all that by taking the correct measures we have been able to minimise transmission and for that we are all extremely grateful."
Visiting remains suspended at Dun Berisay.
“Thank you” cèilidh for residents and staff at Dun Berisay
29 July 2021
Jack Libby, head of community care at the comhairle