A GENEROUS donation of much needed hand gel has been made to North Ayrshire with local support groups set to benefit.

Bonnymans are the largest manufacturers of alcohol hand gel and disinfectants in Scotland, and have been inundated.

Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “I was contacted by Stephen Allam, Managing Director at T.R. Bonnyman Son & Co Ltd in Beith.

“Bonnymans are the largest manufacturers of alcohol hand gel and disinfectants in Scotland.

“With the recent COVID-19 outbreak, they have been extremely busy and noticed an increase in local vulnerable groups contacting then looking for assistance with the provision of these hard products, which are becoming increasingly hard to obtain.

“The company has proactively donated gel, trying to ensure groups and care homes have a sufficient supply.

“However, Bonnymans would like to offer assistance to other groups in Ayrshire, by donating £100,000 of alcohol gel to the most vulnerable people in Ayrshire. £50,000 worth of goods can be passed out this week and a further £50,000 of product the following week.

“I contacted both the Chief Executive of Ayrshire and Arran NHS and of North Ayrshire Council to see if they could help with distribution.”

Craig Hatton, NAC Chief Executive, responded very quickly to say: “We have been establishing local resilience networks. We will get in touch to see how we can collect and help distribute.”

Kenneth added: “I am delighted that North Ayrshire Council has replied so quickly to Mr Bonnyman’s generous offer and anticipate that the NHS, too will soon wish to take it up.”

Stephen said: “I am Troon born and bred, and wanted to give something back to Ayrshire, with the office being based at Beith.

“Everything has to do their bit - we have already donated to 30 odd folk homes and sheltered housing and hospices.

“I had to speak to my directors about it and they readily agreed. We have not been profiteering from this – we have been selling the hand gel at £7.50 per half litre.

“Everyone has a moral responsibility to help. I can’t believe this is happening in the world but we all have to stick together.”