Edinburgh Airport is giving away the masks to community groups and organisations in the area

Charities and groups working in communities neighbouring Edinburgh Airport can now apply to receive face masks to help them with their work.

An initial batch of 150,000 masks from the airport’s existing stockpile will be donated.

The masks come in boxes of 2,000 and groups can apply for between 2,000 (min) and 10,000 (max). To ensure the masks are being best directed, groups considered will be working with vulnerable members of society and will be not-for-profit organisations.

Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “Face masks are an important tool in keeping us and others as safe as possible and we know there are many charities and groups in our neighbouring communities working every day with vulnerable groups. We know sourcing those masks is an expense they wouldn’t have planned for at the beginning of the year so we want to help where we can by making 150,00 free face masks available.

“We want to make sure those groups that would benefit most receive them and we would encourage groups in our neighbouring communities to get in touch with us.”

Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, chair of the airport's community fund, said: “It’s right that in the teeth of this emergency that we should be repurposing the focus of the community fund in this way. There are countless groups doing vital and important work across Edinburgh and these masks will allow their staff and volunteers to continue in safety, as infection rates continue to rise. I’m proud of all of the work the airport has done to answer community need at this difficult time.”

More information on applying for the masks can be found online. The closing dates for applications will be Monday 14 December 2020 and masks will be sent to successful applicants, so people do not have to travel to the airport. Applications can be made by emailing community@edinburghairport.com