Sleepout campers defy the big freeze
Nine thousand Scots def ied f r eez i ng weather to sleep out in aid of homeless charities last night.
They gathered in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, for Sleep in the Park, billed as the world ’ s biggest sleepout.
Organiser Josh Littlejohn, said he was “blown away” by the numbers taking part despite the temperature dipping to - 6C.
The event aims to raise £ 4mi l lion to end rough sleeping and homelessness in Scotland.
Those ta k ing pa r t enjoyed music from Liam Gallagher, Deacon Blue, Amy Macdona ld and Frightened Rabbit.
John Cleese supported the event by writing and performing a bedtime story, while Bob Geldof joined the sleepout and addressed the audience.
Littlejohn is co-founder of Social Bite, who help the homeless through cafes, a restaurant and fundraising.
He said of the turnout: “It’s an absolutely incredible result and I’m real ly humbled by it.”
He added that while the stars lend “excitement”, people had turned up for the cause rather than as music fans.
He added: “This concept of sleeping in the cold is such a daunting thing in people’s mind that it trumps Liam Gallagher and it trumps anyone else.
“But it just helps lend that level of excitement and gets people engaged in the issue, so we’re really grateful for everyone that’s turned out.”