This website uses cookies for anonymised analytics and for account authentication. See our privacy and cookies policies for more information.





The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Free holidays for unpaid carers thanks to benevolent society

This news post is over 7 years old
 

Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society has made one of its 18 self-catering properties in Pitlochry available for use

Unpaid carers are being offered free stays in a holiday estate in Pitlochry so they can take a short break to recharge their batteries.

Shared Care Scotland has signed up the Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society, known as The Ben, to its Respitality initiative which aims to provide carers with complimentary hotel stays, dinners and leisure passes so they can enjoy some quality personal time away from the often heavy demands of their caring responsibilities.

The bungalow's living area has double doors out into the garden
The bungalow's living area has double doors out into the garden

The Ben, which provides financial, social and emotional support to former and current workers of the licensed trade, has donated a newly refurbished bungalow from its Pitlochry Estate where it owns 18 self-catering properties which are rented at subsidised rates to trade employees.

The bungalow offers a tranquil place to stay in Perhshire making it a great base for relaxing in the garden for a few days or walking in the countryside.

The charities have trialled the use of the bungalow over the last few months and its popularity has seen it booked out until November.

Shared Care Scotland’s Respitality developer, Gill Brittle, is delighted to see such a positive response. She said: “Respitality is delighted that The Ben has donated the use of one of their bungalows. Everyone who has stayed there has had a restful break in beautiful surroundings.

It also benefits from a twin bedroom
It also benefits from a twin bedroom

"We hope The Ben’s generosity will encourage others to make gifts to Respitality and we look forward to working with The Ben in the future.”

The Ben’s chief executive, Chris Gardner added: “Respitality is a fantastic initiative and we were very keen to get involved when the opportunity arose. We’re really pleased by the initial feedback and hope all carers who use the bungalow will enjoy their stay at Pitlochry.

“Through our day-to-day activity, we help so many people facing difficulties in life and the partnership with Shared Care Scotland allows us to widen our support network even more.

“The collaboration is a great example of two charities working together to increase the reach of their work and have a positive impact on as many people as possible.”

For more information about Respitality, visit sharedcarescotland.org.uk or call 01383 622 462.