PPE for all social care providers in Clackmannanshire

That was the recent announcement from Clacksfirst Business Improvement District (BID), after it secured a deal with Alloa's Thredgards.

The plastic injection moulding company will manufacture face shields – called Hedgards – and supply them to Clacksfirst.

Clacksfirst will in turn provide 10,000 Hedgards – which help prevent infectious droplets from entering the eyes, nose and mouth of carers – to the local social care sector.

Kevin Deighan, from the organisation, said: "The Hedgard face visors will be made available to all organisations in Clackmannanshire providing social care in our community."

Clacksfirst will be buying the equipment from Thredgards using money awarded through the Scottish Government's Covid-19 BID Resilience Fund.

Given there are around 500 social care workers in Clackmannanshire, and the sector has been struggling with a lack of PPE during the coronavirus pandemic, the announcement is a welcome one.

Scottish Autism is one of the organisations that is set to receive some of the PPE.

Dorry McLaughlin, the charity's chief executive, said: "Scottish Autism is delighted and grateful to be receiving the supply of face visors through Clacksfirst BID.

"These will be used by our support staff when caring for the autistic people we support in the local community."

Councillor Ellen Forson, leader of Clackmannanshire Council, said: "Clacksfirst BID's successful application to the Covid-19 BID Resilience Fund is welcome news.

"Our PPE hub is currently providing the necessary essential equipment to care workers throughout Clackmannanshire and the funding for Clacksfirst BID will contribute to the work that is currently being carried out.

"This will ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community and the people who are caring for them are protected.

"It's good to see local businesses such as Thredgards working with Clacksfirst BID to support the national effort."