Dr Marie Macklin CBE, prominent Scottish businesswoman and entrepreneur has announced a new initiative to support local pensioners in East Ayrshire, offering complimentary meals to those in need in the HALO RockMe Café in Kilmarnock.

Following the news that the UK and Scottish governments will be cutting the Winter Fuel Payment in the coming months, affecting older people across the country, Dr Macklin has continued her support for her local community with this latest initiative.

From 1 December 2024 to 31 March 2025, The HALO RockMe Café will be open to pensioners from Monday – Friday, with free meals available three days a week, with potential for this to rise to five days a week if there is sufficient demand. Early discussions are under way with a range of local East Ayrshire businesses who are interested in supporting the initiative and working with local providers to help those most in need.  A key initiative as part of Dr Macklin’s recently announced new direction and new mission for the future, Dr Macklin is committed to personally funding this project and utilising the Café space in the HALO to support those in need.

Dr Marie Macklin CBE said:

“I’m a strong believer in doing everything we can to support those in need, particularly during these difficult economic times. In recent weeks, I have been vocal about my feelings on the recently announced winter fuel and heating payment cuts by the UK and Scottish governments and the impact this will have on thousands of people already struggling to pay for basic necessities like energy, food and housing.”

“My team and I are determined to support the pensioners of East Ayrshire [and across Ayrshire] as much as we possibly can and we hope this newly launched initiative will be the start of this. We also hope it opens up further dialogue with the local business community, wider service providers and local government on how we can come together to support those in need during what is set to be another difficult winter for many out there.”