Edinburgh Airport has become the first airport in Scotland to be given an Autism Friendly Award.

This award recognises the measures put in place to improve the experience for people on the autism spectrum as well as their families or carers.

The airport has introduced additional training for staff, an option to pre-visit the airport to get familiarised with the surroundings and created material to help children prepare for their visit.

There is also a discreet lanyard and pin badges to identify those with hidden disabilities so that staff are aware of the need for additional support.

Edinburgh Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar said: "Airports can be extremely busy places and that can be quite daunting for people with additional needs, especially if they rely on a routine which a place like an airport can upset.

"We've looked at that and considered where we could make simple but effective changes to make the journey through Edinburgh Airport as easy as possible for those with autism and other additional needs."

Kim Gibbons travels through Edinburgh Airport regularly with her son Ryan who has autism.

She said: "Places like airports can cause Ryan distress due to the high number of people and different noises so we have always been wary of travelling, but the fantastic assistance we receive from the staff at Edinburgh Airport has helped make the situation easier.

"Knowing we have that support means we now travel more regularly as the staff know us very well and have created a good relationship with Ryan, which also helps his journey through the airport."