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Three women in headscarves on park bench
Refugees Reyhanieh (left) and her mother Monir (centre) with a friend in George Square, Glasgow. Photograph: Conor Ashleigh/British Red Cross/PA
Refugees Reyhanieh (left) and her mother Monir (centre) with a friend in George Square, Glasgow. Photograph: Conor Ashleigh/British Red Cross/PA

Scotland to take one-third of Syrian refugees arriving before Christmas

This article is more than 8 years old

Scots ready to welcome disproportionate share of those fleeing conflict, with all 32 local authorities willing to take part in scheme

Scotland is expecting to receive a third of the Syrian refugees due to arrive in the UK before Christmas. In a reflection of the country’s readiness in comparison to other parts of the UK, Scotland is preparing to welcome one in three of the thousand refugees David Cameron has agreed to take before the end of the year, although the Scottish government’s proportionate commitment was to take 10% of the total number.

Making the announcement, the Scottish government’s minister for Europe and international development, Humza Yousaf, said: “Scotland’s response to the humanitarian crisis has been phenomenal and we have been working to ensure we provide a very warm welcome to those who come to Scotland seeking protection, safety and security.”

After chairing another meeting of the refugee taskforce which was set up to co-ordinate Scotland’s practical response to the humanitarian crisis, Yousaf added: “Of the refugees expected to arrive in the UK before Christmas, Scotland is expected to take around one-third, and this is testament to the work of the taskforce, local authorities and many other partner organisations to ensure we are ready – and we are ready. It is a great symbol of our compassion that Scotland is expected to take a third of refugees arriving before Christmas, while making up only 10% of the UK population.”

Ayman and his family are building a life in Edinburgh after fleeing Syria. Guardian

The refugees are expected to be shared across at least half of Scotland’s 32 local authorities, all of which have expressed willingness to participate in the reception scheme.

Key to the resettlement process will be the work that various authorities are already carrying out with faith groups, charities and grassroots organisations to involve local communities, many of which will be receiving refugees for the first time.

Stirling Council, one of the local authorities that has confirmed it will be taking a group of Syrian refugees, held an open summit last month attended by about 200 local residents, organisations and charities to give them the opportunity to discuss how best to support the new arrivals and air any concerns they might have about the impact on their community. Thousands have signed up to the website Scotland Welcomes Refugees to make individual offers of skilled help and assistance, such as translating or befriending.

Yousaf, who travelled to the island of Lesbos in October to witness the crisis at first hand, said: “It has been heartwarming and inspiring to see the positive reaction from people all over Scotland, and local communities will play a crucial role in the integration of these refugees. We cannot underestimate the importance of local engagement in response to what is an international crisis.”

Thamer Al-Johmani, who was a human rights lawyer in Syria, at home in Scotland with his son Omar. The picture is from an exhibition at the Kibble Palace in Glasgow. Photograph: Conor Ashleigh/British Red Cross/PA

The refugees who are coming to live in Scotland have previously been staying in camps bordering Syria. In October, the UNHCR sent the Home Office a list of 1,300 people for possible resettlement and they are currently being vetted.

John Wilkes, the chief executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, said: “We warmly welcome the positive response of the local authorities ready to receive Syrian refugees next month. Some of these areas will be welcoming refugees for the first time, and we applaud the speedy and spirited way they have responded to the refugee crisis.”

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