MSP thanks the hundreds of East Dunbartonshire volunteers who came forward

Some 635 have volunteered with the British Red Cross in East Dunbartonshire while 892 have signed up to Volunteer Scotland, according to new figures provided by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).

While not all volunteers have been called upon, many have started to deliver food parcels, ensure essential supplies and medicines reach vulnerable people and phone those who need assistance or companionship.

Scotland Cares links British Red Cross and Volunteer Scotland schemes to local authority and third sector activity in communities, creating a pool of volunteers for local organisations to draw upon and deploy as required.

Volunteers are matched with local needs in a range of organisational settings, when those needs arise. It is up to the requesting organisation to decide how and when volunteers are deployed.

Mr Paterson said: “The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and many in our communities have depended on the help offered by others.

“The hundreds of people in Milngavie, Bearsden and across East Dunbartonshire who have volunteered to help are a real credit to their community and I want to thank each and every person who has signed up.

“Not all volunteers have been needed so far, but volunteers will play a critical role in supporting and rebuilding our communities – and many will be asked to help in the weeks and months to come.”