A DOUBLE cash grant has given a boost to a project set up last year in a bid to tackle social isolation.

Our Community Kitchen has been awarded more than £10,000, which it will use over the next year.

The bulk of the money has come from Big Lottery Scotland, with £9,487 awarded to see the group expand to three days a week from next month.

Already, the project meets on a Tuesday at Haddington Bowling Club.

In the coming weeks, it will also meet on a Wednesday and Thursday, hosting dozens of people at each session and serving a hearty three-course meal for a donation of £4.

Elaine Gale, spokeswoman for the project, felt Our Community Kitchen was well on the road to being a success.

She said: “It is so exciting for the area and just to see where we go next. There is hard work in the next six months as we build these two new days up.

“What I really love, what comes across very clear to everybody, is that there are no barriers at all.

“It is people coming together, having something to eat, and natural things happen when people come together to eat. That, for me, is really special.

“There is nobody specific invited – no age limits or ability – it is just people.

“It is amazing people coming together, having some food and everybody is laughing their head off and having a blast.”

A further £1,500 was awarded by the Walk With Scott Foundation.

Scott Glynn, who founded the charity, visited Our Community Kitchen last month and was impressed with what was on offer.

A post on their social media said: “It was such a joy to see a project in action, people from all walks of life getting together to have lunch and a blether.

“The smiles as they walked in and the contentment of a full belly after they had been served by wonderful volunteers was a joy to see.

“Nothing was a trouble, and everything was done with a smile and a kind word.

“It was decided to help this project with funding and we are proud to have offered them £1,500, with the provision of having a couple of themed days: a Burns lunch, a Wimbledon day, a bowling day and, of course, their Christmas dinner ideas were suggested.”

For more information on the group, which meets at 12.30pm at the bowling club on Wemyss Place, email elainegale117@gmail.com