The news comes on the same day as the UK wide charity, The Trussell Trust, released new figures confirming that more than 4,500 Renfrewshire residents relied on food banks to feed themselves over the last year.

The award to the Trussell Trust will enable the organisation to employ a team of dedicated staff which will provide training, support and guidance to new and existing food banks across the country.

Maureen McGinn, chairwoman of Big Lottery Fund Scotland, said: “As a funder supporting individuals and families in greatest need, we are well aware of the current levels of hardship experienced within many of Scotland’s communities.

“It is our mission to support these people through a wide range of projects addressing need.”