GLASGOW Airport’s owner AGS Airports has pledged £40,000 to buy hotel accommodation for homeless people to allow them to self-isolate should they have to.

The donation is in response to the #GiveHope appeal launched by homeless charity, Simon Community Scotland.

It will allow some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people to stay in single hotel rooms during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Simon Community Scotland launched the appeal following a lack of suitable shelter facilities in Glasgow, several of which have closed because of health concerns.

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Derek Provan, AGS Airports’ chief executive, said: “We initially contacted the Simon Community with the offer of using our second terminal after partially closing our buildings at Glasgow Airport.

“This is due to the lack of passenger demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When it became clear this wasn’t a viable option and we learned of the very real plight facing the city’s homeless community, many of which have underlying health conditions, we quickly took the decision to redirect funds from our charitable FlightPath Fund.

“This is an extremely challenging time for businesses across the UK. We are all taking steps to protect our businesses and our employees, but also want to help those who really need it most and do whatever we possibly can to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

“The Simon Community does amazing work and everyone at AGS is pleased this money will help support the homeless at a time when it is needed most.”

Lorraine McGrath, chief executive of Simon Community Scotland, added: “It is exactly this type of rapid humanitarian response that will assist us to not just provide comfort, dignity and somewhere safe for people to be, but it will undoubtedly save lives by protecting some of the most physically vulnerable people in Glasgow right now.

“We are hugely grateful for AGS Airports’ rapid response to our appeal and we hope many more come alongside them in helping us help those in the worst possible circumstances as this crisis grows.”