Residents at an Angus care home saved from the axe have been given a Covid-19 lockdown fish tea treat by a generous local chipper.
The Seaton Grove residents gave a thumbs up to Zeynal Bekar of Fisheracre chip shop after he dropped off a bumper order free of charge in the latest act of kindness for locals.
The tasty gift brought another smile to the face of almost 50 residents after a turnaround in fortunes for the Arbroath home, which had been under the threat of closure during 2019.
Mr Bekar has already dished out free suppers to Arbroath Infirmary staff and is planning to treat the town’s police officers in the coming days.
“We’re still doing deliveries, but no collection or walk-in at the shop,” he said.
“Things are difficult but it is hitting everyone so we wanted to do something for the good.
“We are doing it because we want to, but it’s nice when people we have donated to put up messages on the likes of Facebook to say how much they have enjoyed it and appreciate it.”
He said supplies of some items for the chippie had proved tricky – but not the stock of fresh fish from his regular local merchant A & J Moore.
“It is perfect with them, we’re really happy and when we run out we just phone up and there is fresh fish,” said Mr Bekar.
Senior social care officer Dave Sutherland said the gesture had gone down a storm at the home.
“All the residents and staff would like to say a massive thank you for the marvellous gesture, and it certainly showcases the fantastic Arbroath community spirit,” he said.
In December, Seaton Grove was the setting for 30th anniversary settings which many had feared would not materialise.
Details emerged last spring that the home was facing closure in a bid to balance the books after health chiefs said the facility was not cost efficient and required a seven-figure investment to bring it up to scratch.
A petition against closure drew thousands of signatures and the home was saved when the authorities lifted the axe and withdrew the threat of privatisation.
