Events over the weekend see people donating to foodbanks at levels normally only seen at Christmas
Scotland has witnessed a surge in post-referendum donations to foodbanks after rallying calls by pro-yes campaigners encouraged supporters to give to the needy.
Events over the weekend organised by independence activists saw further donations of food being made at George Square, scene of last weekend’s pro-union violence, and in Edinburgh where thousands of people staged a rally outside the Scottish Parliament.
Falkirk also saw a spike in donations in response to local Labour MP Eric Joyce calling the George Square donations “poverty porn”.
People have campaigned and, despite the outcome, they are returning to trying to work out a solution to the problem - Ewan Gurr
The Trussell Trust, which operates the largest network of foodbanks in the UK, said donations and offers of help have risen sharply since the independence referendum.
Figures from the trust show 8,605 people, including 2,570 children, were served in Scotland's foodbanks in August this year, against 4,975 people, including 1,562 children, the same time last year, a rise of 73%.
Scotland network manager Ewan Gurr said: "We have been absolutely overwhelmed by donations since the referendum.
“We have seen a real surge in the number of people come forward to donate and also to volunteer their time, and we're hearing that right across the network of foodbanks in Scotland.
"Four of Scotland's five most deprived communities have exercised their democratic muscle and voted yes. People have campaigned and, despite the outcome, they are returning to trying to work out a solution to the problem of why people are unable to put food on the table."
Charlene Broderick, organiser of a rally and collection in Aberdeen on Saturday, said 800 people had committed via Facebook to attend the event.
"It is really about helping Aberdeen become better and raising awareness there are less fortunate people that need things many take for granted in everyday life, like food and soap. We just want to help."
