IT ACTS as a haven for people from “all walks of life” yet Dalmuir Community Café is run entirely by volunteers.

A pitstop for anyone, from tradesmen and taxi drivers to someone simply needing a chat, the café has been a pillar of the community since reopening almost a decade ago.

Having been a success about 20 years ago, the café closed its doors for a time but is now “prospering” again.

The Overtoun Court service is run by Dalmuir Multi Storey Flats Tenants and Residents Association, offering low cost breakfast and some warmth to anyone who may need it.

Volunteer Isobel Rankin, 74, said those running the joint are “here to help” but has appealed for others to come forward and offer practical support.

She told the Post: “We do breakfast, filled rolls and homemade soup.

“We opened it up again about eight or nine years ago. It’s been prospering. It’s mostly for tenants in the building and anyone passing.

“It’s all voluntary. I’m two [volunteers] short now. I only have six, so the others have been doing extra time.

“It’s important for the community itself. We thought we would open back up again because a lot of the tenants wanted it back open.”

Money made by the café covers electricity and running costs, while the association relies on funding to purchase equipment.

“It’s really a place for people to come along and have a hot meal and a blether,” Isobel said. “We are always cheap. We keep our prices as low as possible.

“It’s [people] from all walks of life. You even get workmen come in for breakfast, you get funerals, taxi drivers. It’s for everybody. I’m passionate about it.

“Everyone’s welcome. I love it. Maybe some of these people stay alone and feel lonely, maybe they have been staying somewhere on their own for a number of years.

“They can come into the heat and have a bite to eat. We are here to give as much help to anyone as we can.”

Having received a community care grant of £4,000 last year, the café was able to add new furniture and appliances in December.

Isobel added: “It’s made a big difference. We have new equipment, tables and chairs, microwaves, fridges and freezers.”

But the one thing they would like more of is volunteers and Isobel encouraged locals with free time to lend a hand.

She said: “If they want to get out for a day or two and get into the café, it will get them out of a rut. It gives them something to do and they’re helping out people into the bargain.”