FOOD lovers in Tweeddale are creating a cookbook to raise funds for a domestic abuse charity.

During the first week of lockdown, Walkerburn chef Stuart Waterston launched a Facebook group called Tweed Valley Cooks in the hope it would connect communities.

The page attracted more than 600 members, young and old, offering advice and providing support.

Stuart said: “When supplies were short, people would regularly post in the group where items could be found or if certain shops in the area would be receiving a delivery.

“Kitchen hacks were also common, like how to make recipes for no-yeast breads and using wild flowers to make a vegan honey.”

The Windlestraw chef added: “An idea developed organically to produce a cookbook, raising money for charity, harnessing community spirit and providing a lasting record of these fantastic resilient recipes.

“The idea was floated in the group by Ruth Noble who works for a charity called Outside the Box which provides development support to groups and people across Scotland who want to make a difference in their communities.”

The group secured funding and began working from their home kitchens to create recipes for a cookbook that would raise funds for a valued Borders charity.

Women’s Aid Federation unveiled a chilling campaign that highlighted the increased danger of domestic abuse towards women and children during the coronavirus lockdown.

“The cookbook group wanted the funds to go to a local charity that helped people across the Borders who would have seen a rise in demand or had been negatively affected due to the lockdown,” Stuart said.

The cookbook will consist of more than 40 recipes ranging from breads, pizza doughs and sauces to scones, cakes and sweets.

The book, which is nearly ready, contains photography from the group and artwork from local artist Gill Robb.

It will be available as an ebook, with a ring-bound printed version also available at selected retailers for a suggested donation of £5. All money will go to Borders Women’s Aid.