Pupils across the north have delivered a lesson in compassion by helping a charity cook and distribute 2,797 meals to needy homes this winter.
Four Inverness primary schools and a secondary school – Dalneigh, Cauldeen, St Josephs and Merkinch primaries and the High School – helped the Families and Schools social work team.
Project manager Alex Gilchrist said: “They all did a great job.
“One lady even phoned the school to say it was the best macaroni she’d ever tasted.
“But while it was another successful exercise, and it was great to see the pupils and staff being involved, it is disappointing that so many families are in hardship and still need this service.”
Food For Families has now distributed a phenomenal 23,691 meals over the past nine years since the project was launched by local businessman David Sutherland and his wife Anne.
Once again, the Sutherlands provided the meat for some 2000 portions of mince and tatties this winter.
Mr Sutherland said: “It’s been a fantastic initiative and we’re immensely grateful to all who have contributed.
“The venture has been of fantastic assistance – without a penny of public funding.
“It’s been a marvellous volunteer effort and a strong network of partnership working has developed to ensure the food goes to families in genuine need.”
Meals were delivered this winter to Easter Ross, Glen Urquhart, Beauly and Kiltarlity areas, with the majority in Inverness.
Veg and potatoes were donated by Catriona Cameron, of The Kitchen and Mustard Seed restaurants, and Gary Williamson of Williamson Food Service.