As the Christmas countdown officially begins, Scotland’s largest provider of homelessness services is asking the public to remember rough sleepers whilst shopping for gifts.

Glasgow-based charity Simon Community Scotland - and its sister organisation in Edinburgh, Streetwork Scotland - launched their 12 Days of Giving campaign today.

The charities have compiled a list of gifts that will help someone who is homeless or on the streets this Christmas, and are asking for donations via an Amazon gift list.

The campaign has been backed by celebrities and politicians, including Fantastic Beasts star Kevin Guthrie, who said: “It’s an honour to be part of an initiative that provides direct day to day support for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. It is our responsibility as a society to help everyone in equal measure, and by being part of 12 Days of Giving my hope is that we can do exactly that, at this time of year.”

Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli also urged the public to help save a life by buying an item from the Amazon gift list.

He said: “There’s going to be a lot of people sleeping rough this winter, it’s a horrible time. We are asking you to help them out in a very targeted way by going onto Simon Community and Streetwork’s Amazon gift list where you can buy very specific items like thermal flasks that will keep them warm and safe this winter.”

Politicians from across the party spectrum also backed the campaign including Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard, the SNP’s MP for Glasgow Central, Alison Thewliss, and Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton.

Chief executive Lorraine McGrath said of the campaign: “At this time of year as most of us look forward to happy times with family and friends, it’s important that we spare a thought for those who are facing the enormous challenges associated with homelessness.

“Often we are asked by people representing all segments of society on how they can assist our organisation and purchasing a specific gift from our Amazon wish list will make a huge difference; both meeting a practical need and showing the most vulnerable in our society that someone cares.”