A campaign has been launched to save community food sheds in Inverness after they were hit by mould.
Community activist Suzy Reid, who runs the Community Food Pantry on Druid Road, has announced the closure of the two sheds due to damp and mould making them unsuitable.
Ms Reid had thought about saving up for new sheds herself, but her supporters asked her to start an online fundraising campaign instead.
Already she has surpassed £650.
She said: “I set up some sheds in my garden in March 2022 filled with food essentials in hope to help folk in the community who found themselves in need of a helping hand.
“Unfortunately over the months the wee sheds I was using are no longer suitable to store foods in due to weather damage.
“And with all the bad weather Highlands have had recently they are now on their last legs and I may be forced to close very soon.
“I’m hoping to raise as much as I can for a bigger and more suitable shed.”
The sheds are based in Ms Reid’s garden, and she gets no support from agencies to run the project. Instead she runs two popular events in her garden during Halloween and Christmas, and sells sweets to support her efforts.
People who use the food are asked to help themselves to what they need, and the food is restocked so that there is plenty for everyone who needs it in the community.
‘Out of the blue’
Before she set up the fundraising campaign, Ms Reid told her followers on social media she would have to close for a few months, after she noticed damage.
She wrote: “I know this is a bit out of the blue but I will be closing food sheds in next few weeks or sooner.
“Water is managing to get in which has resulted in mould in two of the sheds.
“Unfortunately they are no longer suitable for storing food in them. I’m not able to get the funds together for a new shed, just now so until I do the sheds will close for a few months.
“I’m saving up at the moment to get the one big shed but this will take time as the costs are high but I’m confident that I will be back open later this year.”
Supporters of the campaign were keen to keep the sheds open.
One anonymous donor said: “Hope this helps to keep the community shed going, thank you for all you are doing for the community.”
Conversation