Cumbernauld to host refugees

The town was always intended to be a part of the programme which has already seen Airdrie and Coatbridge welcome displaced persons, followed by Motherwell.

Now it is Cumbernauld’s turn and it’s been confirmed that between 20 and 25 people from the war zone will be re-homed here.

The plan - which does not involve Kilsyth - will swing into play in March when the families are expected to arrive in Scotland.

It will involve a host of different agencies outside the council, including NHS Lanarkshire and Police Scotland, and is being funded by the Home Office.

A key support service will involve teaching the refugees English - a process that is well underway elsewhere in the authority.

The measure was given the green light at last Thursday’s meeting of the policy and resources committee at North Lanarkshire Council.

It’s been confirmed too that those who will call Cumbernauld home are currently living in a refugee camp in the Lebanon.