An army of volunteers in the Western Isles have banded together to deliver food parcels to the vulnerable to meet the growing demand for help.
The 11-strong group from the Point and Sandwick community are giving up their time to pick up freshly prepared meals from The Chief Cook Donald Smith, who has temporarily relocated his kitchen to the Old School in Knock.
During the month of June, a total of 65 residents have received meals through the project, launched by the Port and Sandwick Trust, as part of their ongoing efforts to combat the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis.
Maggie Mackenzie from Parkend has been delivering the lifeline service to residents in North Street, East Street and Plasterfield after being furloughed from work.
She said she is grateful to be able to give something back to her local community.
“People say it’s something to look forward to and nice to see a smiling face,” she said.
“They all say the food is beautiful and everybody that I’ve delivered to is just so thankful.
“I’m on furlough just now. I’m not working and just wanted to do something, if I could help out in any way.
“It’s great being able to. It makes you feel good that you’re doing something nice for people. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Meals are provided seven days a week, consisting of two courses each.
The service is part of a community wellbeing project and befriending service being offered to vulnerable people in the community.
Funding for the project was secured through the Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Fund.
