Aberdeen church offering free takeaway for homeless and vulnerable people

A north-east church has vowed to continue providing hot meals for homeless and vulnerable people during lockdown.

Every Sunday evening, members of Aberdeen Methodist Church gather outside to provide those in need with a freshly-cooked main course, piece of cake and some fruit.

Usually, the Open Table project welcomes between 20 and 30 people for a three-course sit-down meal alongside the company and conversation which comes with it.

But currently it is serving up the food from a table outside the church’s front door on Crown Terrace from 5pm-6pm every Sunday, with two-metre gaps marked in chalk on the pavement.

Minister James Garnett said: “At the moment it is food that is the focus.

“Offering a take-away makes it possible to keep Open Table open for the people who need it most.

“But our priority remains the same as always: showing people that they are loved and cared for.”

Willie Primrose, one of the Open Table volunteers, said: ‘We will keep going for as long as we can.

“So long as the regulations allow us, and so long as people follow the regulations and keep their distance, we are very happy to play our part alongside other organisations in the city.”