A Highland ambassador was in Inverness handing out care packages to those in need.
World-renowned cook and food writer Lady Claire Macdonald OBE was joined by volunteers from the Order of Malta to hand out supplies to people at Ness Bank Church Hall.
The Order of Malta is a Christian charity which has been operating for the last 1,000 years, providing aid to thousands of individuals across the globe.
Dozens of people gathered in the city yesterday to receive toiletry bags and items of warm clothing, donated by high street retailer Primark, while tucking into a free three-course meal provided by Inverness Foodstuff.
Susan Coughlin, 62, from Dingwall, said: “It’s an absolute lifeline. I have been diagnosed with depression and to come here it’s great. It’s not just about the food it’s about the fellowship and the volunteers really care.”
Lady Macdonald praised the generosity shown for the cause.
She said: “This is so important. I mean it’s important all year round but at this time of year, Christmas, it’s so cold and people like Primark are so generous. There’s clothes and toiletries and people can try things on, so it’s thanks the generosity of people like Primark and the people who organise it. We are meeting some wonderful people, both receivers and givers.”
Also there to lend a helping hand was Lord Godfrey Macdonald, the 34th chief of the Macdonald clan.
He said: “Now that we have the spare time, it’s lovely to be able to help. We are delighted to be able to help in a very small way and it’s very humbling.
“It takes real courage to actually come in and talk.”
