​Charity and industry will try to develop the concept of social tourism in Scotland

Vulnerable and disadvantaged people were offered free holidays last year as part of a campaign to promote social tourism.

The Scottish Youth Hostelling Association (SYHA) provided the breaks in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cairngorm Lodge, Stirling, Aberdeen, Aviemore and Inverness.

They were enjoyed by families unable to take a holiday due to cost, ill-health or caring responsibilities.

SYHA provided them as part of an initiative promoting the concept of social tourism run by VisitScotland and the Family Holiday Association.

The campaign promoted social tourism as a means of illustrating Scotland’s spirit through generosity.

As well as SYHA, other industry groups got involved, providing short breaks to 250 struggling families.

Donna Thompson of SYHA said: “SYHA were delighted to be involved in the campaign. As an organisation, we have been offering holidays to young people for many years through the various SYHA youth programmes. SYHA was happy to be part of this initiative by offering families the opportunity to experience a much needed city or rural break with us.”

VisitScotland will host a roundtable event in the next few months to discuss successes and lessons learned and the future of social tourism in Scotland.