The extraordinary generosity of Angus and Mearns communities and dedication of local volunteers lifted Christmas Day hearts at a series of special lunches.
Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven all staged Christmas dinners for local residents, bringing together people facing the big day alone, all of whom benefitted from remarkable local support and personal kindness.
The Montrose event in the town’s YM reflected the true spirit of the season, with around 100 catered for by a team of some 15 volunteers at the Murray Street premises.
The event was only the second such Christmas Day lunch in the town and was once again organised by local woman Katie Baxter.
After a successful lunch last year, Katie said she had been overwhelmed by the backing for this year’s gathering.
Katie’s hands have been full since the arrival of baby daughter Hallie just 12 weeks ago, but she said the help of family and friends, and the local response had made the lunch a very special occasion.
“I went on to Facebook and posted about it and within no time at all had around 5,000 followers,” she said.
“People have just been extraordinary and we have so much stuff, it has been overwhelming.
“We have so much that we will be able to give away a huge food parcel to everyone and it is not just food, we have been given gloves, hat and scarf sets and each person at the lunch also gets a proper gift from Santa.
“This started off with just my and my husband’s families but everyone has really pulled together. I cannot believe how much we have been given.
“It is a great day for everyone – we try to make it so friendly so that the people who come along really enjoy it and it has also been great for some of the volunteers who previously didn’t have the confidence to sit down and talk to other people,” added Katie.
Montrose YM manager Val Cooper said there is no stigma attached to the Christmas meal.
She said: “It is for anybody that is on their own at Christmas.
“We’re told Christmas is about family but some people can’t share it with their family.
“It’s a community thing – it’s for the community by the community.”
The Angus effort included backing from gamekeepers on local estates to provide Christmas dinner with a difference.
Casseroles of Angus venison, pheasant, woodcock and snipe, sourced in Glen Esk, as well as game birds, venison and pheasants supplied by Gannochy, Invermark and Glenogil estates were distributed, with some going to the families of under-fives affected by parental imprisonment as part of an initiative supported by Scottish Government.
Community kindness was also praised by organisers of lunches in Arbroath and Stonehaven.
Arbroath’s CAFE Project hosted the fourth sit down for those facing the big day alone, organised once again by mum-of-two Kerry Swankie.
Guests also received gifts and shopping vouchers and Kerry paid tribute to everyone who had contributed to the success of the event.
“I’m always amazed at the generosity of the community, not just from Arbroath but the surrounding towns,” she said.
Stonehaven also continued the tradition, after fears that the town’s lunch might not go ahead.
Last year a special dinner organised by Scott Reid attracted more than 20 people who otherwise would have eaten alone, but with Scott away for Christmas it was in doubt until local mum Laura Craddock stepped in to take over the reins.
She said: “People always tend to think of the elderly being lonely at Christmas but people have different family circumstances or disabilities which mean they might be spending Christmas alone.
“I’m hoping that we can make this an annual event.”
Tolbooth Restaurant owner Eddie Abbot cooked the Christmas meal and said he was “delighted” to be involved in the project again.
He said: “Christmas is a time for people to spend together and I feel that I am quite fortunate and my children are fortunate so then it’s a good thing to give back.”