Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We're not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Clydebank Post is under threat.

Please consider supporting the Post in whatever way you can – by paying just 85p for a copy of the paper, when you're shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.

Thanks – and stay safe.

With the country in lockdown, all activities have stopped running at Golden Friendships – but that hasn’t stopped the group helping the community out in any other way they can.

The team at the Dalmuir-based charity has been determined to do their bit for Bankies since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, whilst keeping everyone safe.

Founder Jim McLaren told the Post: “All of our members are keeping in touch and some can’t understand why they can’t come to the club, but we are doing other things to provide them with entertainment.”

Golden Friendships – The Bunker Sessions have been set up, which are filmed professionally and shared on Facebook, thanks to Gary Carson arranging a line-up.

Local artists, including 10-year-old Sam Baird, have volunteered their time to perform on stage in the club’s McArdle Suite.

Jim and club entertainer Pat Doogan are also keeping their usual members – and the wider community – smiling, thanks to their daily sketches which are also being shared on Facebook.

Read more: Bankies urged to support Cash for Kids appeal to help families

Packed lunches are available five days a week for collection, between 12 noon and 2pm, to ensure children won’t be going hungry while schools are off.

Dominoes, cards and small activity sets are also being provided, while sticking to safe social distancing measures.

A delivery service has been set up with a list of OAPs or anyone self-isolating who wants a packed lunch to be delivered to their house.

Jim added: “At the moment we’re giving out more than 300 packed lunches daily and the figure keeps rising.

“We have asked for volunteer drivers and the response has been overwhelming. It’s got to the point we feel guilty for not letting people help us – but we have to limit the number of people using our building.

“We would like to thank people for their generous donations during this time as we have no income, but once again, donors stepped in. Thank you Clydebank – your kindness is with typical Bankie style.”