THE community-conscious owners of a Greenock pub brought smiles to the faces of two brothers in lockdown - by cooking up a special delivery as a gift from their grandparents.
Michelle Gardiner and the team at the Horseshoe Bar in Kilblain Street served up chicken dippers, chips and beans for Lucas and Logan Wordie, who live in Sir Michael Street.
The boys' grandad Graham Wallace and his wife Maureen live in Bellshill and have been unable to see the youngsters since the coronavirus pandemic took hold.
Lucas, five, and Logan, three, have been self-isolating - and as well as missing their family, they're missing a McDonald's treat.
Maureen, who knows Michelle through her work as a drinks rep, called the pub to asked for them to deliver their own version of chicken nuggets and chips - and was overwhelmed when she learned it would be for free.
Maureen, 42, said: "Like so many grandparents, we're missing our grandchildren so much just now.
"It would have been reckless and irresponsible of us to make the trip to see them and to even chat outside the window wouldn’t be fair.
"When I phoned the Horseshoe, Michelle said they would fulfil my request no problem but refused to take payment as my husband works for the NHS.
"There are so many lovely people in Inverclyde and this is just a shining example of a caring businesswoman doing her bit.
"In Scotland, people are often quick to talk about things that are rubbish but not so quick to talk about things that are amazing."
The boys' mum Amii said the boys loved their treat from gran and grandad.
She added: "They're really missing everyone.
"It was so nice to have a wee extra special something to let them know they're being missed too."
Michelle and the team wrote out a special message from Maureen and Graham on a piece of paper, decorated it and laminated it so that the boys will remember the thoughtful delivery years into the future.
Along with partner Iain Skilling and chef Tony Reid, Michelle also continues to provide meals for vulnerable people the length and breadth of Inverclyde on request.
Michelle said: "The delivery wasn't a big thing for us at all - I could tell that Maureen was emotional about not being able to see the boys.
"She has really helped us out in the past and has gone above and beyond.
"When she phoned and explained she was missing the boys, and that Graham had just started working for the NHS, I just said 'this one is on us'.
"We're hoping that what we're doing will continue to stand us in good stead with the community.
"It's a difficult time for everyone.
"The community has been so supportive of us since we opened, so we're happy to be able to support them in return."
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