Replaces former head who was with the organisation more than 20 years

Scottish older people’s charity Food Train has named Rosie McLuskie (pictured right) as its new chief executive.

The experienced third sector leader will succeed Michelle Carruthers (pictured left) in the role from 1 April.

Formerly Scotland director for We Are With You - which supports people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health - McLuskie brings with her a background in health and social care, which lie at the core of her new role.

Food Train’s shopping, meal-sharing, befriending and other support services ensure that thousands of over-65s across Scotland can lead healthy, independent lives.

McLuskie, who played a key role in her former charity’s growth across Scotland over 20 years, said: “I cannot wait to get started at Food Train.

“This is a charity which not only improves lives, but saves them - ensuring older people not only get the groceries they need to eat well at home, but the company they need to live well too. The health of far too many people suffer tragically as a result of malnutrition and loneliness. Food Train and its tremendous volunteers stop both.

“I am determined that this charity will continue its great work in not just supporting our members, but in being a voice for them too - to ensure their opinions and experiences are heard, as well as their needs met.”

Food Train supports more than 3,500 older people each year, backed by a near 60-strong staff team and more than 1,200 dedicated volunteers.

It operates supermarket shopping and delivery services across 11 regions as well as a befriending network, nationwide one-to-one grocery deliveries and its Eat Well Age Well project to help better identify and tackle malnutrition among older people.

Carruthers, who has led Food Train for 21 years and was the charity’s first full-time employee when she joined the volunteers as its development officer in July 2002, leaves her post this week.

McLuskie added: “Michelle has been a fantastic leader and has done so much for Food Train and older people across Scotland. She leaves big shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to continuing her work and ensuring that Food Train makes a positive difference to our members and communities.”

Food Train chair Alan Dalziel said: “We are delighted to appoint Rosie to the CEO role as her experience, determination and leadership qualities are exactly what the charity needs to serve the best interests of our members, volunteers and staff going forward.

“We also express our heartfelt gratitude to Michelle for her outstanding leadership over so many years and wish her the very best for the next chapter in her life.”

Founded in 1995 by a group of older people Dumfries, Food Train’s shopping branches now operate across Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, Falkirk, Perth and Kinross,the Scottish Borders, Stirling and Clackmannanshire and West Lothian.