Tunnock’s donates thousands of biscuits to NHS Louisa Jordan

The frontline workers received a special delivery of teacakes and caramel wafers.

Tunnock’s donates thousands of biscuits to NHS Louisa Jordan Tunnock

Tunnock’s has gifted thousands of biscuits to frontline medical and construction staff working at NHS Louisa Jordan.

The emergency hospital for coronavirus patients at the Scottish Events Campus (SEC) in Glasgow was completed on Sunday.

Tunnock’s said the donation was its way of “applauding” the key workers.

While Sir Boyd Tunnock, 87, stays safe at home near the firm’s famous factory in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, his daughter Karen and son-in-law Fergus Loudon ensured the special delivery of teacakes and caramel wafers were dispatched safely to the new hospital.

Mr Loudon, sales manager at Tunnock’s, said: “These are unprecedented times.

“Our factory is in lockdown but we wanted to do what we could to help.

“It’s astonishing that the hospital has been built in just over two weeks and is now able to take its first patients and deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

“This has involved a mammoth effort with staff working tirelessly and around the clock.

“And while we hope the £43m facility is never needed, we wanted to recognise their efforts and say thank you in our own way.”

Donation: The Morris 8 van was loaded with 2500 biscuits.

Tunnock’s classic Morris 8 van was loaded with 2500 biscuits.

The chocolate-coated teacake was designed by Sir Boyd in 1956 and is a favourite of the Queen. 

His father Archie created the firm’s caramel wafer in 1952.

Mr Loudon added: “We ceased production over three weeks ago in line with government advice and guidance and to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our staff, so stocks are low until we get back up and running.

“Over many years here in Scotland, people finishing marathons and half-marathons have been given a Tunnock’s biscuit to help restore their energy.

“All of these men and women working so hard to create a new hospital in record time deserve a huge pat on the back.

“It’s just our way of applauding them.”

Tunnock's: The Queen loves the firm's teacakes.

The new hospital will have an initial capacity for 300 beds, which can be expanded to more than 1000 if needed.

It was named after a heroic Scottish nurse who dedicated her life to fighting infectious disease during the First World War.

Jill Young, the hospital’s chief executive, said: “Our contractors and staff on site have been working around the clock to make sure we are ready to support the NHS in Scotland.

“During this time, the outpouring of support we have received has been incredible.

“Whether this is a donation of goods or services, or sending us kind messages online, these make such a difference to everyone here.

“On behalf of the entire team, I would like to say a sincere and heartfelt thank you.”

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