Councillor Andrew Polson says that since the birth of little Isabella just over two months ago, only seven people outwith himself and his wife Aileen have been able to visit Isabella and get a cuddle, and in lockdown not even extended family.

The Conservative councillor for the Bearsden South ward says it’s a situation which will be mirrored throughout the country, and his thoughts are very much with people in similar circumstances.

He said: “These are difficult and unusual times for us all, and I really feel for grandparents and others who are on their own and finding it so difficult during this crisis.

“The birth of little Isabella has brought great joy to us, and it is quite hard for our own parents not to be able to share that joy in person. 

“But Isabella thanks everyone for her presents and hopes to see you all soon!”

East Dunbartonshire Council committee meetings have not been taking place since mid-March with emergency measures in force but Councillor Polson and his fellow joint council leader Lib Dem Vaughan Moody say they are in regular contact with senior council officers.

Councillor Polson said: “I want to pay tribute to the council staff who have had to adjust to a very different way of working and who are working very hard to keep essential services going, as well as arranging support for our most vulnerable residents. I thank them all for their efforts and look forward to the time when we can get back to something resembling normality.”