‘If you need something, please come’: Aberdeen cathedral receives more than 400 jackets to give to people in need

An Aberdeen cathedral is now “running out of space” after more than 400 coats and jackets were donated to give out to those in need.

Around 400 hats, scarves and gloves have also been given to St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral on Carden Place.

The cathedral has been accepting donations of good-quality coats and jackets for its first-ever Jacket Potato event launched in response to the cost-of-living crisis.

People in the community who are struggling to buy their own winter clothes are invited to the cathedral from 10am on Saturday, December 3.

They will be able to choose a jacket, as well as a hat, scarf, and pair of gloves – with the cathedral also serving free baked potatoes and warming drinks on the day.

‘People have been very kind’

Reverend Canon Terry Taggart said people have been very generous with their donations and have put a lot of thought into the appeal.

Some have even travelled from outside the city to donate their pre-loved winter basics to the appeal.

He now hopes people in need of a warming coat will come to the cathedral on Saturday and pick something to get them through the cold winter months.

Rev Taggart said: “We’re running out of space, it’s been a great response and it couldn’t have gone any better.

“People are more pleased with the fact we’re giving it away for nothing, I think that’s struck a chord with a lot of people.

“People have been so generous and they’ve put a lot of thought into what they’ve given us.

“They’ve made sure what they have given us is serviceable, good quality, there are some wonderful garments, there really are – people have been very very kind.”

‘Come in, have a baked potato’

Rev Taggart has been in touch with Aberdeen Cyrenians, the Salvation Army and organisations working with Ukranian refugees to spread the word and ensure those in need know they can come along to get a coat.

There is a wide variety of options for women, men, and children available, and anyone in need is invited to go along.

The cathedral doors will open to the public from 10am until there are no jackets left.

However, Rev Taggart has stressed that people can only take one coat, as well as a set of hat, scarf and gloves if needed.

He finished: “If you need something, please come; if somebody else needs it, please invite them to come so they can at least try it on.

“Come in, have a baked potato and a warming cup of tea.”