Coronavirus in Scotland: Fife’s youngest investigative reporter, 6, quizzes health boss over Covid

A six-year-old from Kirkcaldy who became a social media sensation after making a series of videos for young people over lockdown has grilled NHS Fife’s Public Health director with questions that she and her friends and family had about coronavirus.

The budding reporter all smiles with NHS Fife public health director Dona Milne whilst asking important questions on Coronavirus.

Described as a ‘very inquisitive child’, Jessica Gardiner, known as ‘Jessica investigates’, became famous in her home town Kirkcaldy for making videos with her younger sister on how young people can keep busy over lockdown through fun activities.

Her earlier videos posted on the local community Facebook page ‘Our Kirkcaldy’ included how to make a ten-pin bowling alley using old socks and recyclable goods as well as how to make chalk paint out of cornflour, food colouring and water.

However, keen to further her journalistic skills, Jessica decided to have a one-one online interview this week with Dona Milne, a leading figure in NHS Fife.

Questions the budding investigator asked Ms Milne included: “What is self-isolation? Is that like being grounded?”, “Why can’t I play with my friends in my house?” and “What can kids do to keep their grandparents safe?”

Stephanie Gardiner, Jessica’s mum who helped to arrange the interview said: “Jessica is a very inquisitive child and likes to ask lots questions about restrictions and the virus in general. Jessica loved being able to ask Dona questions and was very excited about doing the interview.

"I would like to thank Dona for taking the time to answer Jessica’s questions about coronavirus.”

Ms Milne said: “It was great to sit down with Jessica for this interview and she made sure to ask me some tough questions.

“This is a particularly confusing and difficult time for children and young people, and we know many have questions about what virus is and how it behaves.

“Hopefully Jessica and I have helped to answer some of these questions not just for local children and young people, but for everyone in Fife, and we hope that they can help us by following the national guidance to help us prevent further spread of COVID-19.”

Jessica’s full interview with Dona Milne is available here: www.nhsfife.org/jessicainvestigates

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.