Doon Valley South has recorded the highest coronavirus-related death rate in East Ayrshire with 536 fatalities per 100,000 people.

Figures reveal that the highest number of deaths related to COVID-19 in East Ayrshire have taken place in the Doon Valley South area.

READ MORE: Revealed: The areas in Scotland with the highest death rate since pandemic begin

Tragically, 17 residents have lost their lives to the virus in the communities of Dalmellington and Bellsbank.

The second-highest COVID death rate occurred in New Cumnock with 414 fatalities per 100,000 people.

The number of deaths involving COVID-19 in local East Ayrshire areas between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020:

  • Doon Valley South – 17
  • Doon Valley North – 9
  • Mauchline Rural – 3
  • Drongan – 4
  • Mauchline – 5
  • Cumnock Rural – 5
  • New Cumnock – 11
  • Cumnock South and Craigens – 8
  • Cumnock North – 8
  • Auchinleck – 2

 

 

East Ayrshire Council Leader Douglas Reid said of the figures: “It [the virus] is hitting areas where there is poverty and impacting elderly people.

“We have to do all we can to eradicate this virus. My thoughts are with all the families who have been impacted.

“Everyone knows someone who has been affected. I know people in the community who we have lost to COVID.

“We must be cautious and careful and we will get through this together. The more we act responsibly the quicker we will get over this.

“I think we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the vaccination.”