The Big Sleep Out, which was held on Friday at two locations in Edinburgh (outside the City Chambers) and Glasgow (City Chambers in George Square), attracted dozens of fundraisers who braved the ‘mini Beast from the East’ to sleep out under the stars and raise vital funds for Bethany’s services across Scotland, which help people who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless.

Despite the wintry mix, event attendees enjoyed themselves on the night hearing from Andy Boyle and his band, enjoying cups of hot soup, unlimited tea and coffee and sausage and rolls donated by well-known Edinburgh butcher and baker Mark McGill, and taking part in a shelter building competition.

One Glasgow supporter, Jennifer Sawyers, has taken part in the past six Bethany Sleep Out events.

Commenting on the event, Jennifer said: “I know what it’s like to need help, when you feel things are out of control and everything feels hopeless. So I wanted to give back something to support the work that has supported me.

“I love hearing people’s stories, knowing why other folk get involved. There are so many people that find themselves on their own when they hit a life crisis. Bethany Christian Trust does great work to make a difference and to help people turn their lives around. I feel like I’m making a difference too by being involved in the Sleep Out.”

Shirley Berry, fundraising and development group head at Bethany Christian Trust, said: “I want to say thank you to all the folk who joined us on Friday night at our yearly Sleepout events in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Joining together to sleep out and speak out is what these events are all about. Ending homelessness in Scotland takes one person at a time to make happen; thank you for being that person.”

Established in 1983, Bethany Christian Trust supports over 7,000 people across Scotland. The charity’s services focus on preventing homelessness as well as alleviating the suffering of people who are homeless.