Volunteers from Glasgow will be joining the celebrations as groups from across Scotland mark the tenth anniversary of the country’s street pastors.

Five of the city’s volunteers, who work in both the centre and the west end, will be a part of the celebrations at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday.

They will join founder Rev Les Isaac OBE and groups from across the country to mark a decade of serving Scottish communities.

Glasgow Street Pastors co-ordinator Stuart Crawford said: "Myself and four of my colleagues will be at the reception on Tuesday and I hope to see street pastors from across Scotland get the recognition that they deserve.

"At first people might have viewed us as more of a hindrance on the streets than a help but I think now people see that we are good at what we do."

The reception will take place at what will be the busiest time of year for street pastors.

Known for giving out flip flops at the end of the night, Glasgow's 120 street pastors are especially busy during the festive season.

As well as this, volunteers give out hats, gloves, direction to those on the street, as well as some companionship to those most at risk.

A combination of an increase in footfall on the city centre and the freezing temperatures make people particularly vulnerable and needing help on the streets.

This can have an impact on both party-goers and the homeless population in Glasgow, as the higher volume of people can be intimidating to some.

Mr Crawford added: "Along with university freshers season, this time of year is our busiest.

"On average we help around 40 people each night that we are out, but this can be much higher in the colder months.

"Whether it is people who are out for their Christmas party and are lost or if someone has had a bit too much to drink, we can help.

"We also see that the city's homeless community need support, both from the freezing temperatures and revellers.

"Although the majority of people are very friendly, these people sleeping rough just want some meaningful human interaction."

While Tuesday may mark ten years of street pastors in Scotland, the Glasgow group was not started until January 2009.

However, plans are already in place to mark the city's anniversary in little over a year's time.

The co-ordinator of Glasgow Street Pastors said: "There will be a significant event to mark our ten years so we are keeping our powder dry until next January."