Kyle of Sutherland bothy project hailed as 'asset' to Sutherland community
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MSP for Caithness, Sutherland & Ross, Maree Todd, has praised the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (KoSDT), following the opening of their Community Bothy last week.
In 2021, the Trust's Food Larder supported 3313 adults and 802 children in the community. In responding to the growing demand for the service, they have now opened new, larger premises to accommodate a Community Bothy.
The Trust will continue to support vulnerable community members with food donations in their new premises, whilst working to remove the stigma associated with food insecurity. The Trust are also looking to tackle social isolation in the community, by inviting customers in for a tea and coffee and a chat.
General Manager of KoSDT, David Watson said: “The current cost of living crisis is driving up demand for additional food insecurity services, so we are now moving our services into bigger and better premises.
“Our new premises will not only address issues surrounding food insecurity but, as we have a seating area in the Bothy, it will also help to address issues surrounding social isolation. Our customers will be encouraged to stay and have a cup of tea and a chat with us.”
Maree Todd MSP said: “It was a pleasure to attend the grand opening of the KoSDT’s new Community Bothy on Friday March 4 and to hear of the values at the heart of this project.
“We know that food insecurity is even more widespread now than ever before. The cost of living crisis is driving up food prices and causing people and families to make difficult choices.
“Alongside providing customers with food donations, the Trust will provide users of the Bothy with easy and healthy recipes as it recognises that in tackling food insecurity, we must provide people and families with the skills and knowledge to cook low-cost, nutritious meals.
“The Bothy is an asset to the Sutherland community and whilst we all hope for a day when services like this are no longer needed, it’s brilliant to see the launch of a project which will strengthen community resilience and provide much-needed support to vulnerable folk.
“A big thank you to the KoSDT for inviting me along to the opening of the Bothy – it was heartening to hear from the people behind this project who are so determined to support their community in these difficult times.”
