Dozens of homeless people in Aberdeen enjoyed a hot meal today, served up by Scotland’s chef of the year.
Catering firm Entier provided north-east charity Aberdeen Cyrenians with more than 30 three-course lunches at its base on Summer Street.
Each included a Scotch broth starter, a main of beef steak pie or turkey, and a portion of white chocolate cheesecake.
The meals were delivered by Entier chef Orry Shand, who was crowned chef of the year in the hotly-contested competition in Glasgow in March.
The catering team has also pledged to return to the centre on Friday to help even more people facing homelessness in Aberdeen over the festive period.
Mike Burns, the chief executive of Aberdeen Cyrenians, said the donation helped achieve more than simply preventing people from going hungry.
“The meals that Entier kindly gift represent something more than a nutritional benefit to the people we support,” he said.
“There are significant social benefits of coming together with others over food.
“This time of year can be an exceptionally isolating time, so to be able to offer a number of our service users the chance to sit in the warmth and enjoy a hot meal with friends is hugely important.
“We are so grateful for the ongoing support that Entier provides the charity, not only during the festive period but also throughout the year.”
Outwith Christmas time, the firm regularly delivers its surplus in-date food to Aberdeen Cyrenians.
Its unit manager Lyla Munro also volunteers there on a weekly basis, and organised a donation of 80 jackets to help people on the streets to stay warm.
Entier chief executive Peter Bruce said: “Homelessness remains a real issue here in Aberdeen.
“This year we decided to double our festive support and offer free hot meals on two days during the Christmas period.
“By providing these meals over the festive season, as well as the food contributions throughout the year, we hope to help a number of those who are most in need.
“As a company, we are committed to giving back the local community and trying to support as many charitable causes as we can in the region.”
