MacAskill is full of praise for charities

He met residents, staff and volunteers at the Residential Addictions Unit for Men, which helps vulnerable men resettle back into a stable environment.

Every homeless person will be entitled to settled accommodation by 2012.

Mr MacAskill said: "The homeless are among the most vulnerable people in our communities, particularly during winter. It has been a privilege to be here today to meet the staff and volunteers who make a real difference and to speak to the residents who are working hard to rebuild their lives.

"Charities such as Bethany Christian Trust perform an important service with dedicated staff and volunteers helping more than 4,000 vulnerable people every year."