Food banks gain as coronavirus closes Scottish tourist attractions

HERITAGE body Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is donating food products stocked across its sites to local community food banks and homeless charities.

HES, which manages some of Scotland's most famous historic locations, including Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart castles, , announced last week that it would be closing public access to staffed visitor attractions from Wednesday evening, in response to current guidance regarding Covid-19.

All food stock across its 77 retail shops, where there is stock which has a short shelf life, will be distributed and donated to help the local community.

Natasha Troitino, head of retail and product licensing at HES, said: “We have sites across Scotland, many of which play an integral role as part of the wider community and we wanted to take the opportunity to contribute where we can, as people may be facing more pressure and difficulties, in these unprecedented times.

“We have long-standing networks and relationships with local charities and community groups and the team were keen to look at opportunities to support those communities and hope that through the donations it helps make a difference, in whatever small way.”

For more information on how you can help your local foodbank, visit The Trussell Trust website.

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