A Glasgow-based homeless charity has called on Nicola Sturgeon to visit their soup kitchen in the city to witness 'the issues affecting everyone first-hand'.
Homeless Project Scotland, which was started back in 2018, operates the kitchen three nights per week under the Hielanman's Umbrella on Argyle Street, where they feed around 300 people a week with over 1,000 hot meals.
The charity made the call after founders Colin McInnes and Fraser RiddellI travelled to 10 Downing Street to receive The Prime Minister's UK Points of Light Award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers and people who are making a change in their community.
READ MORE: Team behind Glasgow charity Homeless Project Scotland recognised for their efforts by Prime Minister
Mr McInnes used the receipt of the award to express his frustration at the fact that his "myriad of invitations" for to both Nicola Sturgeon and the Leader of Glasgow City Council to visit their soup kitchen "remain unanswered".
And he called for both politicians to get down to visit their Glasgow soup kitchen to witness for themselves "the socio-economic spectrum" and the "issues affecting everyone first-hand".
He told Glasgow Live: "When Homeless Project Scotland was created, we hauled about a bag and a couple of flasks used to feed those experiencing homelessness. Just over two years later, Homeless Project Scotland had grown into a national charity.
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"Whilst Homeless Project Scotland is an apolitical charity, it is nonetheless saddening that an office such as that of the Prime Minister can take time to recognise the hard work that myself, Fraser and everyone who makes Homeless Project Scotland the body that it is today, yet the myriad of invitations to both the Leader of Glasgow City Council and the First Minister remain unanswered.
"We hope both can attend, particularly when Homeless Project Scotland is operational exclusively in Scotland. As the post pandemic recovery continues and while the cost of living increases across the country, it is hoped that they will both be able to get down to our Glasgow soup kitchen to witness the socio-economic spectrum, and issues affecting everyone first-hand.
"We would both like to thank everyone at 10 Downing Street, for the amazing hospitality. It truly was a humbling experience and one which will not be forgotten anytime soon."
