A café in Portobello is doing its bit to tackle loneliness with a designated table for strangers to meet and chat.
Butternut Squash is a bright and welcoming eatery just a short walk from Portobello's promenade, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The value for money diner has now also added something new to the menu...a good old fashioned natter with other customers.
As of this week, customers can choose to sit at the "chatter and natter table" in Butternut Squash if they are "happy to talk to other customers".
The table is part of the "Chatty Café Scheme", which encourages cafés and eateries to bring people together with a "chatter and natter table".
Butternut Squash's co-owner Keith Sturgeon said he first heard of the concept on the radio when another café owner spoke of the scheme.
'It could really make their week'
Speaking to Edinburgh Live he said: "A big part of our business are the elderly.
"Sometimes they haven't spoken to people for days. Some of them window shop but don't talk to anyone while they're out of the house and it could really make their week."
Adding: "So many people that come in are lonely and we try our best but it's not always possible to chat to them because we are so busy."
Keith hopes the table will bring together people from all age groups and backgrounds - including mums, youngsters, people with disabilities and carers - and will help alleviate loneliness, whilst giving them the confidence to approach others.
When is it available?
The table is open to customers from Monday to Thursday between 9:30-11:30am. You can find Butternut Squash on 10D-10E Bath Street, Portobello.
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