Chef Gary Maclean brought some Christmas cheer to Bonnybridge Community Hub and its onsite community kitchen – home to the centre’s ROOTS foodbank programme.
Scotland’s National Chef met with volunteers and local families, before he rolled up his sleeves to help prepare a festive feast and share expert tips on cooking showstopping Christmas meals while keeping costs down.
The visit marks a milestone for the Hub, which recently moved into community ownership and is now shining brighter than ever thanks to investment from SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund and Falkirk Council. The much-loved community space is undergoing a major transformation into a warmer, greener space to better support the local community.
Completed works already include full roof insulation, new solar panels generating clean energy, upgraded LED floodlighting, and the first phase of a modernised outdoor sports pitch - all of which will significantly cut running costs and help future-proof the Hub for years to come.
Alongside popular parent-and-toddler groups, sports clubs, digital-literacy programmes and education classes, the Hub is also home to ROOTS - a volunteer-run foodbank and community-support group.
Based in the Hub’s community kitchen, ROOTS hosts weekly “Happy Mondays” sessions, offering a free meal and a warm welcome to people of all ages to help reduce loneliness and social isolation.
Cooking alongside the centre’s resident community chef, Gary helped prepare a festive meal while celebrating the volunteers who keep the Hub running and ensure local families have access to good food, company and support throughout the year.
Commenting on the renovations, Gary Maclean said: “What’s happening here in Bonnybridge is a brilliant example of community strength. It’s a privilege to be part of that and to help show how good food doesn’t need to cost a lot, it just needs a bit of confidence and a few simple tricks.
“Thanks to SP Energy Networks’ recent investment in the building, the Hub is now even better equipped to support local families and provide a warm, sustainable space for the community. Christmas can be a tough time for many, so being able to share some cost-saving tips and help prepare a festive meal with the team has been a real joy.”
Teresa Cochrane, Trustee at Bonnybridge Community Hub said: “This transformation has breathed new life into our building. By cutting our energy costs, we can put more resources directly into helping local families - which feels especially important at Christmas. Having Gary in our kitchen, cooking alongside our team, has been brilliant and shone a light on how food can bring people together.”
Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, added: “Bonnybridge is a shining example of how sustainable upgrades can do more than just save energy. This project means lower running costs, greener operations, and more funds going straight to the services that matter most.
“Seeing the centre full of activity and festive spirit, with Gary inspiring people in the kitchen, shows exactly why we’re proud to support transformations like this. It’s about building stronger, brighter communities for today and for the future.”
A host of charities and organisations supporting communities across Scotland have been awarded funding from SP Energy Networks’ Net Zero Fund to introduce innovative net zero technology. The groups have received grants to help them decarbonise and reach their climate targets sooner, with projects ranging from installation of heat pumps and renewable energy solutions to the purchase of electric vehicles and retrofitting listed buildings to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
SP Energy Networks, part of the ScottishPower group, owns and operates the electricity transmission and distribution network in Central and Southern Scotland, delivering power to more than two million homes and businesses. The Net Zero Fund has been established through SP Transmission, a subsidiary of SP Energy Networks, responsible for transmitting high-voltage electricity from power stations and windfarms to the low-voltage network across Central and Southern Scotland.
Gary’s expert tips for keeping costs down this Christmas:
1. Plan smart, not big.
Planning is your number one money-saver. Make a simple list, stick to it, and use what you already have at home. It’s the easiest way to cut costs and avoid waste.
2. Buy a smaller turkey, and don’t overcook it.
Most families buy a bird that’s too big and too expensive. A smaller turkey cooks quicker, costs less, and is much easier to get right. Overcooking is the biggest issue use a timer or thermometer and rest it well for the best results.
3. Prepare as much as you can in advance.
Don’t leave everything to Christmas Day. Most sides and trimmings can be prepped, pre-cooked, or even fully finished the day before - gravy, stuffing, veg prep, desserts and sauces all keep brilliantly. Spreading the work saves time, stress and money.
4. Serve everything ‘family-style’.
Place food in big bowls and trays on the table so everyone can help themselves. It reduces waste, keeps food hotter and takes the pressure off you. It’s also great for kids, they’ll naturally eat more of what they actually like.
5. Cook for the people in front of you.
Your crowd determines your menu. Kids? Keep it simple. Adults? Add one or two nice touches. Don’t overbuy or cook dishes no one is excited about.
6. Use your kitchen wisely.
Spread dishes across the oven, hob, slow cooker, air fryer and fridge. This prevents bottlenecks and stops you feeling stressed
7. Share the jobs.
Let others sort the plates and cutlery, sort drinks or peel veg. Even small bits of help save time and make the day more enjoyable for everyone.
8. Stick to what you know (with one small twist).
Most of your menu should be familiar dishes that you know work. Add one or two new ideas if you fancy it.
9. Keep it calm and enjoy it.
Christmas is about people, not perfection. Keep things relaxed, use what you have, and enjoy the day, that’s what family remembers.