Fundraisers braved the mini beast from the east to sleep out under the stars and raise vital funds for homeless charity

Scots raised over £15,000 for the homeless by taking part in the Bethany Big Sleep Out in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The event, which was held outside the cities’ chambers, 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 conditions, attendees enjoyed themselves on the night hearing from Andy Boyle and his band, enjoying cups of hot soup, unlimited tea and coffee and sausage rolls, and taking part in a shelter building competition.

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

She 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 sleepout."

Shirley Berry, fundraising and development group head at the charity, 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 sleepout 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.