Plans to convert Perth Prison’s old social club into a vegan restaurant have been submitted in an effort to provide a second chance to prisoners and ex-convicts.
A new vegan restaurant named the Yew Tree is set to open in a maximum-security prison in Scotland.
The project is being led by local social justice business Starting Step and will be set up in Perth Prison’s old social club.
According to the organization, the business will initially start as a café with plans to later convert it into a fine-dining restaurant in the evenings.
The idea behind the venture is to support prisoners and ex-convicts while giving them a second chance in life as well as create employment for people outside the criminal justice system.
“I’ve worked with charities and the third sector for some time and I had always wondered why Scotland has such an appalling number of people in prison,” said Starting Step CEO Dodie Piddock
“We’re one of the worst in Europe, per capita.
“I did a lot of work on focus groups and I found that the vast majority of people in prison need a second chance. I came away from this thinking, how do we do this?”
However, when she spoke of her plans for the abandoned social club to the prison service, she said: “they probably thought I was bonkers.”
“That’s the usual response I get,” she joked.
A planning application to change the building into The Yew Tree has been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council and the prison service is closely monitoring Starting Step’s project.
‘Positive outcome’
As per the plan, “trainees will be able to develop their skills and reap the benefits of a real work environment,” Starting Step told The Courier UK.
“They will be able to interact with members of the public, where there will be no attached stigmas of their past mistakes.
“This will bring an added positive outcome of breaking down barriers between community and clients.”
Vegan café
Of the “many reasons” why Yew Tree plans to offer a vegan menu, Piddock said: “There is a growing need for chefs that are able to produce high-quality vegan food.
“What is important about this project is the end result. I don’t want this to be just another training programme; I want to do something more than give them hope.
“I knew there were two areas where we could just about guarantee them jobs – horticulture and hospitality.”
Confident about the plan, she added: “It will be beautiful. And hopefully, it will be something Perth can be proud of.”
“Ultimately, I really want to eradicate the stigma of people who have touched base with the criminal justice system.”
Share this story to let others know of the new vegan restaurant project outside Perth Prison, Scotland.
About The Author
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton Invests In Plant Based Pet Food Company Bramble
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 14th October 2024
Lewis Hamilton, the renowned Formula One champion and a vocal advocate for veganism, has expanded his influence into the pet industry by investing in Bramble, a New York-based company that produces vet-formulated vegan pet food. This venture aligns perfectly with Hamilton’s personal and professional commitment to sustainability and animal welfare, reflecting his belief that the …
Continue reading “F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton Invests In Plant Based Pet Food Company Bramble”
Victory! Victoria’s Secret Ditches Real Feathers for ‘Handcrafted Faux Feathers’ in Fashion Show Comeback
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 2nd October 2024
Victoria’s Secret’s iconic wings are taking flight once again, but this time they’re soaring without any cruelty! In a fabulous fashion revolution, the brand has decided to ditch real feathers for dazzling faux alternatives for the models’ Angel wings at its upcoming fashion show, which will include performances by Tyla, Lisa of BLACKPINK, and headliner …
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. [wpViralQuiz id=27203]
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. [wpViralQuiz id=33494]
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. [wpViralQuiz id=31281] Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God