Kind people spread festive cheer

Volunteers in the Mearns will make sure nobody has to spend Christmas on their own.

Jonny Gardner will be serving up Christmas lunch in the Harbour Bar in Gourdon, while Scott Reid has organised a free Christmas dinner in St James’ Church Hall in Stonehaven.

Mr Gardner’s father died on Christmas Day a few years ago and he wanted to turn the date into a happy occasion and give lonely locals Christmas lunch.

He said the lunch would be informal, with the pub’s log burner keeping everyone warm while they tuck into turkey and all the trimmings.

The kind-hearted landlord has also extended an invite to workers from the emergency services to stop by if they are passing.

Since he started planning the lunch back in the summer, taxi drivers have also been in touch with Mr Gardner to offer a free collection for guests who attend.

Anyone who wants to have lunch still has time to get in touch.

Meanwhile, for the fourth year running, local volunteer Scott Reid is organising the Stonehaven three-course lunch, which will be served between 11am and 1pm, in St James’ Church Hall.

McHardy’s are providing the turkey and Eddie Abbott, from the Tolbooth, is cooking the main course.

Mr Reid praised the support he had received from the community to make it a special day.