Families enjoy first holiday together

More than 420 “struggling” families were able to have a holiday – many for the first time – after a tourism industry initiative.

Donations of accommodation, transport, meals and access to visitor attractions allowed more than 1,600 people to experience a break. Visitscotland launched the Scotspirit Breaks in 2016 to look at how the tourism sector could contribute to social inclusion.

The initiative sees disadvantaged families referred by a professional working with them in a supporting role – such as a teacher, social worker or health visitor.

This year saw a 67 per cent increase in the number of families getting time away, and more than twice as many industry partners provided support.