Table service in Roslin during coronavirus lockdown

Roslin Table on the Green is a volunteer service set-up to help local people stay in the village during the Covid-19 outbreak. Locals can go to the table at the green off Penicuik Road to collect food and other essentials from local suppliers, in a bid to limit car journeys, while supporting local businesses and social enterprises, including Breadshare, Penicuik Storehouse, and Tweed Valley Venison. Home deliveries are also available for vulnerable housebound people.

Linda Sheridan explained why she started Roslin Table on the Green. She said: “I set it up after I had been to the supermarket and got a bit scared as they hadn’t started safe queuing yet. This way people don’t have to leave the village, just pick up from the table, or if needed we can deliver.

“Breadshare send bread here and people can get it from us. Penicuik Storehouse is absolutely chock-a-block with people ordering vegetable boxes and so on.

“We have a volunteer going to Penciuik to pick up lots of boxes to save people going there. It’s just common sense.”

Linda runs the initiative with three volunteers, with health and safety paramount.

She said: “I use gloves and wear a mask all the time when outside. It’s mostly about social distancing. There is plenty of space doing what we do, I just find I’m shouting a lot!

“We also have books and toys that people have donated which can ease the boredom of being stuck at home. It’s been lovely to see the generosity of villagers donating items.

“Everyone has been kind and wants to help each other.”