A PEEBLES-BASED food bank has been saved after finding a new home.

In recent months concern had been growing that Peeblesshire Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust, would not have a base after it was told its site at 1 Silverbirch, Cavalry Park, was being sold.

Manager Fiona Dalgleish said she was “really concerned” about finding a new site, and feared that the vital services provided by the food bank would be affected.

Now, however, the essential facility has successfully relocated to the County Buildings at Rosetta Road, Peebles.

Speaking after the food bank’s first week in its new home, Ms Dalgleish said: “It’s such a relief.

“We managed to keep operating through the move.

“[Having to move] it was one of the most stressful things I’ve had to do in my working career.

“But we’re in a really good place.

“We’re in a building with social workers so I think we’re exactly where we should be.

“It’s all worked out for the best.”

The new site has officially been in operation for a week after opening on Tuesday, April 11.

The County Buildings at Rosetta Road also sit on the former site of Peebles poorhouse.

Ms Dalgleish added: “It’s pretty ironic to have come full circle.

“It’s ludicrous in the 21st century that people have to use a food bank.”

In a social media post earlier this month announcing the “fantastic news”, a Peeblesshire Foodbank spokesperson said: “After an extremely difficult period of stress and uncertainty we are looking forward to building another welcoming space for our volunteers and clients to meet the demand caused by the cost-of-living crisis.

“We’d like to thank Scottish Borders Council for rescuing us, and in particular councillor Marshall Douglas, SNP councillor for Tweeddale East, for his sustained work on our behalf.

“We are so proud of our volunteers who have managed to keep the service running smoothly and efficiently despite the chaos of a move.”

Volunteers from Hotlines Europe, an Edinburgh-based cycling product distribution company, took on the “herculean” task of moving and installing Peeblesshire Foodbank’s stock and infrastructure to their new home.

The food bank is continuing to operate as normal, despite not having broadband or landlines set up in the new space.

However, it can still be contacted through its normal channels – by calling 01721588654, emailing: info@peeblesshire.foodbank.org.uk, or by messaging the food bank’s Facebook page.