Telephone box in Scottish village transformed into 'community larder' to help struggling locals

The disused phone box, in Muthill, Perth and Kinross, has been given a new lease of life as a vital dropoff and collection point for villagers in need.

The rural village is home to around 675 people, and since April 9 when the initiative launched, it has been packed with donations ranging from tinned goods to chocolate lollies, toiletries, fresh fruit and vegetables, and jigsaws and books.

It was the idea of friends Corinna Robertson and Susan Crawford, who normally heads up Muthill in Bloom, but turned her community spirit to helping out in the crisis.

A red telephone box has been transformed into a 'community larde | JPIMedia

Garage worker Corrina, 52, was recently furloughed and became aware of how many people faced the prospect of being out of work.

Corinna said: "When all this kicked off got the coronavirus leaflets about self-isolation.

"Volunteers put these self-isolation things through people's doors, then we realised 'this is worse than we thought'.

"People are off work and have no income and it'll take a while for them to get money through.

A disused phone box, in Muthill, Perth and Kinross. Picture: Corrina Robertson / SWNS.COM | Other 3rd Party

"It's only been up and running since April 9, it's gone mental.

"It's filling up constantly.

"Someone's been going up once a day to check things aren't going out of date."The response has been incredible.

"The local pub which no longer has income donated chocolate Easter lollies for kids.

"They've all just come together, it's great community spirit."

And they are considering whether to continue it after the lockdown ends.

Corinna said "We were talking about it being a good idea to continue it.

"People might be in this predicament for a while - being behind with bills and stuff.

"We've not properly discussed it but it's a thought - it's done so well.

"It's handy for those who can't drive as well and don't want to make an unnecessary trip into Crieff.

"It's 'give what you want, take what you need and leave what you don't'."