Plenty of warmth from Mid Argyll social groups
Several ‘warm spaces’ to combat the cost of living - while also providing a place to meet and chat - have taken off across Argyll.
Inveraray’s Warm Spaces Initiative has been a resounding success since getting underway last month, welcoming senior citizens from the town to the George Hotel to enjoy hot food and company, against a backdrop of live music or recitals.
Warm Spaces will host Chris McIntyre, vocalist and guitarist with the Inveraray-based band The Camans, at its next gathering on Monday.
A spokesperson said: ‘Don’t forget to contact us if you are looking to join for next week, as spaces fill up quickly, remember transport can also be arranged free of charge to pick you up and drop you off afterwards.’
In Furnace, the village’s first Heat and Greet was held last Wednesday (November 9).
Reverend Dorothy Wallace, of the West Lochfyneside parish, who is involved in running Heat and Greet, along with the Furnace Community SCIO, said: ‘We have been able to run this event because of the work of a fantastic bunch of volunteers. There were fabulous conversations from those who attended.
‘We look forward to welcoming more people from the area to Heat and Greets in the coming weeks and months.’
The group was due to meet on Wednesday for more conversation - and hot tomato soup.
Lynda Syed, a Furnace resident and former community councillor in the village, hoped that the Heat and Greet and the other versions of it around Argyll could become valuable skill-sharing hubs where people can learn modern - and traditional - skills at their own pace.
She said: ‘Once they are established it would be great to tie in technology to these events, to build older people’s confidence with things like digital skills. In the same way, traditional skills could be taught that younger generations might want to know but have never been shown, or have long forgotten.’
In Tarbert, the Pantry – a discreet food donation initiative – is hosting get-togethers in Tarbert Parish Church Hall throughout the week during the winter months.
Over-60s can gather for some hot soup and conversation on Mondays and Fridays from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
The Wednesday Warm Space and Foodshare is open to all, and also takes place in Tarbert Parish Church hall from 12pm - 1.30pm. A Pantry spokesperson said: ‘The new “warm space” allows people to pop in and have a chat, some soup, something warm to eat and drink and be with others in a warm safe space.’