Special larder opened to help those in most need

● Open-all-hours facility offers a place to drop off or collect items

Asupport group in Portgordon has set up a community larder to help people in need through the coronavirus pandemic.

Inspired by other similar ventures, Scott Sliter and other volunteers from the Portgordon Coronavirus Support Group set up the facility at the village hall’s car park.

The initiative was able to launch following funding from a Beatrice Wind Farm micro-grant, Lennox Community Council and the Scottish Government.

“We encourage people to use it and make donations”

Mr Sliter said: “We came together to offer our fellow residents support in the form of a shopping, prescription and hot meal delivery service, as well as a friendly face or just a chat on the phone, but we felt there was more we could do.

“We don’t know how long the effects of this crisis will last and some of the economic problems people face will just be starting to bite.

“So, inspired by similar initiatives in other rural villages, we felt an openall-hours pantry with useful goods would reach even more villagers in need.

“We encourage people to use it and to make donations as well.”

The larder will serve as a vital place for villagers to drop off or collect food, personal care and cleaning items.

The group is also running a Portgordon Cares Grant for local households needing some financial relief during these uncertain times.

H e a d d e d : “T h e Portgordon Coronavirus Support Group depends on village-led contributions of items for the pantry.

“The funding also allows us to maintain the phone service, provide weekly hot meals, fortnightly food baskets and communitywide printed bulletins.”

The group was formed in March and has also set up a book swap which will be open every Tuesday from 2pm.

This is aimed at people swapping books, games and puzzles with social distancing being in place.

Anyone who needs assistance from the Portgordon Coronavirus Support Group should call 07399 031253.

Photograph by Jason Hedges HELPERS: At the Portgordon Pantry are, from left, Paul McPherson, Lyndsay Mayo, Ruth Downie and Mick Grant.