KING CHARLES is inviting people “who cannot afford to heat their homes” to use two of his grand Scottish properties as “warm spaces” once a week.

The initiative run by The Prince’s Foundation will see people struggling with the cost of living crisis welcomed onto two of the King’s properties in Scotland: Dumfries House in Ayrshire and the Castle of Mey in Caithness.

Free hot drinks, biscuits and soup will be provided and participants are encouraged to bring books, games or knitting with them for the two hours they are permitted to be on the property.

At Dumfries House, the so-called "Winter Warmers sessions" will be held on Wednesday’s starting from February 8.

However, the ticketed and free-to-attend event has already sold out.

The event is also taking place at one of The Prince's Foundation's properties in England: Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire. 

Emily Cherrington, executive director of The Prince’s Foundation, said: “At a particularly hard time for many, we felt we had the capacity in the quieter winter months to utilise our spaces to benefit those in the surrounding communities, many of whom perhaps cannot afford to heat their homes or whom may not have the opportunity for social interaction.

“We hope that by offering a space for people at these three communities across the UK to meet for a cup of tea and some enjoyable activities, we can play a small part in ensuring our guests benefit from some warmth and friendship each week.”