FAMILIES who visit a special facility that provides free therapeutic short breaks for sick children have been offered free rail travel.

ScotRail have teamed up with Whiteleys Retreat to help families across Scotland access the much needed respite facilities in the tranquil farm outside Alloway.

The train operator is offering free return train travel from anywhere in Scotland to families using the Ayrshire facility.

Whiteleys Retreat provides free therapeutic short breaks for children, young people and their families battling cancer and life altering illnesses.

The charity, led primarily by volunteers, has been operating since 2016 and is situated just outside Ayr – nestled in over 30 acres of idyllic countryside offering the perfect haven for respite.

Ros Houldsworth, ScotRail community liaison executive, said: “Whiteleys Retreat is a fantastic organisation that is doing some great work to support the families of children and young people battling cancer and other serious illnesses.

“By providing families with free travel from anywhere in Scotland, it will allow even more people to take advantage of the wonderful facilities that Whiteleys Retreat offer, so we’re thrilled to be able to play a small part in that.”

Maxine Allan?, Whiteleys Retreat chief executive, said: “We are overwhelmed with the support from ScotRail.

“This extremely kind gesture will help families from all over Scotland, who are already dealing with very harsh times in their life, access the free respite that we offer at Whiteleys.

“It’s another wonderful saving for the charity and helps us reach those families who truly need our vital support.”