Almost 500 supporters will get a hot meal through the Scottish Professional Football League Trust’s Festive Friends project

This Christmas is set to be one to remember for almost 500 elderly football fans who have been invited to their local stadiums to enjoy a free meal.

In total, 487 socially isolated older people will take part in the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Trust’s Festive Friends project.

They will be driven to their favourite team’s stadium, given a hot Christmas dinner and a gift, and meet players and staff from the clubs.

Nicky Reid, SPFL Trust general manager, said the event showed the “positive force of football”.

She added: “The SPFL Trust recognises the difficulties that many older people face during the festive period and the impact this can have on their physical and mental health.

“Festive Friends is a very simple but hugely effective project which will allow clubs to make a real difference and provide a memorable day for hundreds of socially isolated elderly people across Scotland.

“Not only will these people receive support with transport to the stadium, enjoy a warm meal and be presented with a Christmas gift, there is also an immeasurable social benefit in meeting other people and making new friends within the community.”

Clubs and club trusts delivering Festive Friends, with SPFL Trust support, are: Aberdeen, Albion Rovers, Arbroath, Ayr United, Berwick Rangers, Brechin City, Celtic, Clyde, Cowdenbeath, Dundee, Dundee United, Dunfermline, East Fife, Elgin City, Falkirk, Hearts, Hibernian, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Kilmarnock, Livingston, Motherwell, Partick Thistle, Peterhead, Queen of the South, Raith Rovers and Ross County.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “With all 42 SPFL clubs currently delivering community activities outwith match days, there has never been so much effort from them to help the people local to them and who need that support.

“Festive Friends is just the latest outstanding example of that work and each and every person involved in these events, including those at the SPFL Trust supporting them, should be very proud of the difference they are making.

"We wish all those people receiving these meals and gifts a safe and happy Christmas and that this can be the start of a closer link between them and their clubs.”

Details of this and other projects can be found on the SPFL Trust website.