Dozens of volunteers spent the night on the streets of Perth to highlight the plight of the area’s homeless population.
Around 70 hardy souls braved bitter winds and downpours during the city centre’s annual charity sleep-out.
Teams from local businesses huddled together around the walls of St John’s Kirk, using blankets, cardboard and sleeping bags to stay warm.
It was the second event of its kind in the city, following a successful turn-out in 2016.
The sleep-out was organised by local charity Churches Action for the Homeless (CATH) to raise much needed funds and to promote an understanding of the reasons why people end up living on the streets.
Last year’s event made £8,240.
CATH development worker Ron Hogg said: “The response this year has been amazing.
“A lot of local shops and businesses have put forward teams, which has been great to see.”
Representatives from Perth and Kinross Council, Perth College, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, SSE and the local SNP office all came out to support the cause.
Mr Hogg said: “As well as raising funds, the main aim has been to raise awareness of homeless people living on the streets of Perth.
“It may not be as visible as it is in other cities, but Perth really does have a homeless issue and it is very important to remind people that it’s there, particularly at this time of year.”
Money will go towards day centre, adult literary and outreach services run by CATH, which also offers support, accommodation and befriending programmes.
The charity has a shop in High Street.
The sleep-out, which was marshalled by members of the 7 Scots Regiment, continued through the night until 6am.
Local SNP MP Pete Wishart said: “As parliamentarians we are contacted about homelessness more regularly than people would imagine.”
Teas and coffees were provided in the church throughout the night.
Meanwhile, the city’s Odesi Fusion restaurant has announced it is opening its doors on Tuesday nights to offer free meals to homeless people.
Restaurateur Danyal Kamal said: “Christmas is supposed to be a jolly time of the year, but for many people it’s actually a dark and lonely time.
“You get a really good felling when you give someone a hot meal. It’s a real feeling of satisfaction.”
Mr Kamal said he was inspired by similar community food projects in Birmingham and Manchester.
