Council still “exploring options” for refugees

Thousands fleeing violence are hoping to find refuge.

More than 300 refugees fleeing from the war-torn country are expected to arrive in the country before Christmas.

A number of councils  have already agreed to house families.

These include South  Lanarkshire, where the council has said it would take up to 60 refugees, with two families expected to be welcomed to the area within the month.

However, in East Dunbartonshire, Council leader Rhondda Geekie said the council was “exploring options” and “potential support” would then be considered.

She said: “The council is involved in the ongoing national discussion to agree Scotland’s response to the current  refugee crisis.

“The initial arrivals in Scotland will be to those areas that have already identified accommodation solutions.

“In East Dunbartonshire we have agreed to explore  options through the Community Planning Partnership and potential support will then be considered by the council and partners.

In the meantime, information on the current situation and on how best to support the crisis is available on the www.scotlandwelcomesrefugees.scot website.”

A spokesperson for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities told the Herald: “This is a scheme between the Home Office and individual local authorities throughout the United Kingdom.

“The exact details in relation to numbers, timings and final destinations are still being worked out.”

Around one third of the 1,000 refuges destined for the UK will be received north of the border – a proportion beyond Scotland’s population share.

International Development minister Humza Yousaf described the action as a “great symbol” of Scotland’s compassion.

In South Lanarkshire, council leader Eddie  McAvoy said that private landlords will help it to house the refugees,