Massive food donation by Fred. Olsen

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has donated more than £33,000 of food to causes in need in Scotland while its ships are in lay-up in Rosyth, with the help of food distribution charity FareShare.

The donations, which equated to over 30 pallets worth of food, included cereals, biscuits, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, jams and sauces, chocolates, cured meats, baking ingredients, rice and more, all from its four ocean ships Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch.

The items were collected from Babcock’s Rosyth facilities, where the four ships are currently located, by FareShare, which works to support those in difficult circumstances.

“We are used to feeding in excess of 4,000 guests and crew across our fleet every day, and while we have not taken on any additional fresh produce since we paused our operations in March – other than that required to feed our crew – our stores and freezers were fully stocked and ready for cruising as normal,” says Thomas Rennesland, Hotel Operations Director at the cruise company.

“As our ships have been in the Rosyth area since March, it seemed only fitting to donate these additional food items to those who need it most in Scotland.

“The crew on board have worked extremely hard, in addition to their usual duties, to prepare all of the food items so that they are ready for collection, and I would like to thank all involved for their efforts for this very worthy cause.”

“This food will be hugely welcomed by the hundreds of community organisations we serve, supporting the elderly and vulnerable at home, during this very difficult time,” says Teresa McGoldrick from the charity. “FareShare Scotland supports over 700 charity and community groups across Scotland including hostels, day centres, lunch clubs and young people’s projects, and during this really difficult time it’s becoming very clear that food is the glue bringing communities together. The need now is greater than ever.

“The support from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is the equivalent of 30,000 meals to the most vulnerable people. That is the amazing difference this donation and others like it make to the lives of people in our communities. Heartfelt thank you from us all.”

The four ships sailed to the Firth of Forth when Fred. Olsen announced a pause in operations on 13th March. Since then, they relocated to Babcock’s Rosyth facilities at the end of May.