Homelessness charity Bethany Christian Trust has won the TFN Scottish Charity of the Year 2009.

The charity was amongst five organisations honoured at the annual TFN Scottish Charity Awards, which were presented on Thursday at the Mansfield Traquair Centre in Edinburgh.

Bethany Christian Trust, which was set up 25 years ago in Edinburgh’s Leith, picked up the top award after judges were impressed with its innovative approaches to supporting homeless people, delivering services in partnership with other charities, and continuing to develop and grow its social businesses to ensure a sustainable future for the charity.

Bethany Christian Trust chief executive Iain Gordon said: “I am delighted Bethany has won Charity of the Year in the TFN Awards. It is very encouraging to have our work commended, especially at such a time as this, when the need for our services is greater than ever.

“This accolade gives a real boost to staff and volunteers as they continue to help hundreds of homeless and vulnerable people throughout Scotland every day.”

The charity was awarded one of five specially commissioned awards from Edinburgh artist Scott Irvine at the awards dinner, attended by the minister for housing and communities Alex Neil and representatives from the third sector as well as public and private sector supporters.

• Full story at SCVO.

• Filed under Edinburgh + East, Scottish Christian News Monitor, Social Action.