Helmsdale residents turn out for community Christmas dinner
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Over 70 free Christmas meals were served at the Helmsdale Community Centre on Sunday.
Residents of Helmsdale and its neighbouring communities were treated to a community Christmas dinner thanks to Highland Council cost of living grant funding.
The meal, which was organised by local charity Connecting Communities in conjunction with Helmsdale Community Centre, was served free of charge, with donations accepted on the day from anyone wishing to contribute.
A total of 74 meals were served – 23 in the centre lounge and 51 to residents of the community.
Robert Stephenson, owner of restaurant Thyme and Plaice, was in charge of the cooking, using food provided via donations from several suppliers and generous donors.
Members of the community who required help to get to the centre were also offered transport.
A spokesperson for the the community centre said: "We want to say a huge thanks to all of Santa's helpers who prepared, cooked, served, delivered and cleared up afterwards.
"We live in an awesome wee village and we’ve been overwhelmed with the support that made today happen.
"Our thanks go to Wick Lidl, Capaldis, Cunninghams and to the many individuals from near and far who have made donations. Thanks also to Rob at Thyme and Plaice, to Connecting Communities for their support, Helmsdale Transport for their delivery services and to the Highland Council for the funding."
