Distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, the shopping sheds offer a safe and secure way to deliver shopping to friends and family, protecting essential items from the elements and easy to collect.

Shedman’s managing director, Bill Roddie, said: “We have had to furlough 20 team members because of the COVID-19 crisis, so, with the help of a couple of pals, I’ve been delivering most of the small Shopping Sheds to deserving people throughout Greater Glasgow.

“Some of those who applied for the sheds entered because they had nowhere to safely leave supplies for loved ones, including shielded senior citizens, people battling cancer or diabetes, or those with breathing difficulties.

“The reaction from people has been tremendous and we are sure that in these unprecedented times, delivering food and essential supplies to loved ones will be just a bit easier.”

Feedback on Shedman’s Facebook page from recipients and family members of recipients across Glasgow has been uniformly positive.

Pam Lucas said: “Absolutely delighted with my free shopping shed! What a kind and wonderful thing for Shedman to do. Also delighted with the customer service, from the calls to arrange delivery to the after call to make sure everything is ok!”

Kirstin MacIntyre said: “My mother received her shopping shed today. As she is high risk and shielding this will help with deliveries etc for her. Fantastic quality, she also told me the person who delivered it was very pleasant.”

Paul Friel said: “Many thanks for delivery food box so much appreciated due to our daughter isolation to liver transplant at the age of 8 months.”

Sharon Bower said: “My parents received this freebie today, they are very happy with it. Thank you Shedman for making it easier for people to receive food deliveries.”

Laura Anderson said: “cannot thank you guys enough for delivering me a free shopping shed - it will help massively with my need for shielding during this pandemic. Massive thanks again!”

The Shopping Sheds can be situated at a front door or in a garden area. When lockdown measures are lifted, they can be adapted for further use as, for example, a planter, a parcel dropbox or a children’s outdoor toy box.

Bill Roddie, who is also a director of his Glasgow-based family-owned business, Spectrum Properties, said: “As the effects of coronavirus worsen by the day, it is clear we are all in this together. This offer is simply meant to give a helping hand to vulnerable people who may be struggling to get by.”

Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.