Edinburgh’s hardworking shift workers are being treated to an early Christmas gift as they are offered a free meal from Greene King pubs.

The nationwide initiative, will take place on Monday, December 1, and gives those who will be working on Christmas Day, including nurses, carers, chefs, delivery drivers and emergency crews a chance to enjoy a festive main meal for their efforts keeping the country running.

The Edinburgh pubs included in the offer are The Corstorphine Inn, The Merlin Pub and The Cuddie Brae Pub, the Record reports.

Research by Greene King revealed that shift workers make major sacrifices over the festive season, with 31% saying they miss time with family, 18% miss opening presents together, and 19% miss festive TV. More than half of respondents (53%) say they feel under-appreciated for keeping essential services running on Christmas Day.

The campaign is accompanied by a brand-new Christmas advert, which stars Santa in his original green outfit, in a nod to tradition and the 1.1 million shift workers making the sacrifice for others on December 25.

Greene King says the costume represents “care, community and tradition,” predating the now-iconic red suit.

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Thousands of Scottish workers can claim their free meal at participating pubs, including:

  • Edinburgh: The Corstorphine Inn, The Merlin Pub, The Cuddie Brae Pub

  • Aberdeen: The Four Mile Inn, The Holburn Bar, The Northern Bar

  • Glasgow: The Maltman Pub, The Rhoderick Pub Dhu, The Molly Malones Pub

  • Perth: The Foundry Pub, The Maltings Pub

  • Stirling: The Waverley Hotel, The Cold Beer Company

Andrew Gallagher, Brand and Marketing Director at Greene King pubs, said: “We see first-hand the hard work that goes into making Christmas happen, including our very own team across the UK. While most of us are sitting down for Christmas lunch, millions of people are working hard to keep things running.

“The Big Christmas Shift is our way of saying thank you, giving those working on 25 December their own chance to celebrate, relax and enjoy a festive main meal before the Christmas rush kicks in.”

Blue Light Card is also supporting the initiative, reserving 10,000 meals exclusively for its members, including NHS staff and emergency workers.

Chief Marketing Officer Neil Caldicott said: “Millions of our members will be giving up their own Christmas Day to keep the nation running, and we’re passionate about making sure those people are celebrated. We’re thrilled to support Greene King as they offer their thanks and hope our members enjoy a moment to relax, enjoy a festive meal, and feel recognised for the vital work they do every day.”

Eligible shift workers have until November 17 to sign up for the early Christmas celebration at participating Greene King pubs.

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