The past couple of months have been unprecedented to say the least – and this time, everyone has been affected.

The bankers, celebrities, public sector workers, politicians, students, low income earners, middle income earners, high income earners – virtually all of society have been bruised by the onslaught of Covid-19.

It has certainly taken blood, sweat and tears to go through this period, with our heroic NHS and social care staff, and other key workers shielding the country and Glasgow from the worst of it.

Sadly, many lives were lost, a loss that cannot be quantified. Many dreams have also been destroyed or delayed. Glasgow COP26 will now take place next year, wedding plans were put on hold, and several milestones have not been witnessed by family and friends. Not to talk of the enormous impact on people’s mental health.

Although this time has been challenging for the city, it has also brought out the best in us. In my own community, food parcels were prepared at the Whiteinch Centre, and Heart of Scotstoun have been collecting, preparing and delivering meals to surrounding areas for 20 weeks.

Who can forget the Clap for Carers? That was a moment that united us all.

The furlough scheme and several support packages by the UK government have been fantastic in seeing people through the peak of the pandemic with more than 74,400 Glasgow-based jobs, and 9,000 in Glasgow North West alone, supported by the Treasury.

Life must, however, continue and as we progress in the current recovery phase of the pandemic, there are pressing questions about the re-opening of schools, access to sport facilities for children, the viability of leisure and hospitality based businesses, employment opportunities for young people, and mental health that must be addressed.

Many predict doom, but I am optimistic that the resolve shown by the people of Glasgow will get us through this phase. The UK government has already announced fantastic initiatives such as a 5 per cent VAT cut for goods and services supplied by the tourism and hospitality sectors, and 50 per cent discount of up to £10 per meal at participating restaurants from August 3.

Glasgow as a local authority must be efficient, unlike what was seen during the pandemic, with poor administration of funds to businesses. This is the time for bold leadership in the city of Glasgow.