Two Highland MSPs have spoken of their gratitude for the public’s support since opening their doors to food bank donations.
The constituency office belonging to Kate Forbes and Maree Todd, situated prominently on Dingwall High Street, began accepting donations back in August to help meet growing demand for food parcels in the region.
The move came after research conducted by charity Blythswood Care, operators of the Highland food bank network, indicated that 40 children in Dingwall had received help from the food bank from January until June this year.
That represented a significant rise from the 26 children using it in 2017.
Since launching the scheme five months ago, the office has donated two big plastic bags to the charity every week, adding up to more than a tonne of food.
Ms Forbes said: “It has been hugely encouraging to see how quickly people responded to our call for supplies.
“Whilst it is incredibly sad that demand for food banks should be so high in this relatively wealthy country, it has been heart-warming to see food donations grow in the office.
“I must confess to being amazed at the speed of the response.
“I had thought it would take a while for donors to realise my office was a collection point and that we would slowly start to build up supplies.
“Instead, within a matter of days, the boxes were full and we had to ask Blythswood to come and collect the food and supplies.
“It shows Highland hospitality at its best.”
Residents have been donating an array of non-perishable items including packets of rice, oatcakes and jars of coffee to provide aid to struggling individuals across the town.
Mrs Todd said they were overwhelmed by the response.
She added: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of folk who have donated to our food bank collection point.
“In the run-up to Christmas, we have received an influx of donations and I am truly grateful to every single person for their help and compassion.”
Danny Muschate, Blythswood’s PR & Marketing manager said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response from the public by donating more than a tonne of food through the MSP’s office in Dingwall.
“It shows us that people do care about the needs of others in their own community.”
