Caring Christmas Trees raises funds for homelessness charity Bethany Christian Trust.

Politicians have backed a campaign to raise funds for the homeless by buying a Christmas tree.

Social enterprise Caring Christmas Trees sells grade one Nordman fir trees for £35, with proceeds going to support Bethany Christian Trust’s emergency care shelter and other winter work.

The shelter, at Gorgie Parish Church in Edinburgh, provides a hot meal and a safe place to sleep for those with nowhere to go during the coldest months of the year.

Trees can be purchased online for pick-up at various locations in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Glasgow and Fife in December. The trees are also available for delivery at the end of November in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Scottish MSPs and representatives from Bethany Christian Trust gathered outside Holyrood on Wednesday to support the enterprise, which has now been running for 17 years.

Kevin Downie, the charity’s project coordinator, said: “I am thrilled to see the Caring Christmas Trees initiative is back and even bigger this year with new pick-up sites in East Lothian and Dunfermline.

“With each year people are becoming more aware of the importance of making ethical purchases and with a Caring Christmas Tree, you are not only buying a beautiful local sustainable Christmas tree, but you are also making a huge difference in someone’s life who is homeless this winter.”

Alasdair Bennett, Bethany chief executive, added: “Christmas Trees are such a typical feature of a traditional Christmas and are a common sight in most houses across Scotland. Imagine what Christmas Day must feel like without a warm home, a shared meal, a decorated tree and our loved ones nearby.

“By purchasing a Caring Christmas Tree you will be opening up your Christmas and giving a lifeline to support families and individuals in need this Winter. Please spread the word of this excellent opportunity.”