MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean delighted a city group by helping them create mac and cheese

Gary took part in a special event at the Heart of Scotstoun, hosted by Galloway Cheddar and FareShare, as part of a larger effort to combat food insecurity throughout the nation.

Dubbed the Galloway Gathering Project, this campaign is a partnership between cheese brand Galloway and FareShare, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to tackling the environmental problem of food waste.

The aim is to bring individuals from all over Scotland together.

During the event, the National Chef of Scotland prepared special portions of mac and cheese using Galloway Cheddar.

Enjoyed by those in attendance, additional servings were also shared with those in need through FareShare’s charity partners.

He said: "I am thrilled to partner with the Galloway Gathering Project and FareShare to help address food insecurity and loneliness across Scotland.

"Sharing food is a timeless way to bring people together and strengthen the bonds within our communities.

"Through initiatives like the Galloway Gathering Project, we can address food insecurity.

"When we come together over a meal, we not only nourish our bodies but also our spirits, building a more united and resilient community."

Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, marketing director at Lactalis UK & Ireland said: "The Gathering Project is a chance for Galloway Cheddar to give back, be true to our values as a business rooted in rural Scotland, and make a difference.

"Bringing people across Scotland together over a meal or a chat is simple, but we’re hoping it creates positive change that supports FareShare’s important work.

“It’s particularly special to be doing it bigger than ever this year, working with some people dedicated to their communities and food trucks who are small independent businesses across the country to come together as a force for good.

"The work FareShare and its charity partners do on a daily basis is truly invaluable and we’re all proud to be playing our part in that, to make sure there is ongoing support for those facing food insecurity and loneliness at a time when the pressures of day to day living are being felt the hardest."

Adding to this Kirsty Ford, head of fundraising at FareShare commented: "We are so grateful to Galloway Cheddar for their continued support for FareShare.

"We need both food surplus and fundraising to help us get more good-to-eat food, which might otherwise go to waste, to people who need it.

"Every day, the food we redistribute to a network of over 8,000 charities in every region helps to strengthen communities.

"These organisations include homelessness shelters, afterschool clubs, refuges and older people’s lunch clubs, all working harder than ever to support people facing food insecurity and loneliness.

"Galloway Cheddar’s generous support for FareShare helps people impacted by the cost of living crisis come together through food and access essential support services, providing a hand up, not a handout."

The Gathering Project hopes to reach people throughout Scotland to create awareness about food insecurity and loneliness.

It estimates that the equivalent of 90,000 meals will be donated to those in need throughout the summer campagin.

Furthering the support, food trucks across the country will cook and sell special cheesy dishes featuring Galloway Cheddar in various one-day fundraising events over the summer period.

In these events, customers will have the chance to donate to FareShare.

The efforts will reach from the west and east coasts of Scotland to as far north as Caithness.

Galloway Cheddar has also committed to providing 800 kg of free cheese as part of its contributing efforts.