The first charter flight bringing refugees from Syria landed at Glasgow Airport this afternoon.
Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf said:
“This is a proud day for Scotland. I would like to extend the warmest of welcomes on behalf of the people of Scotland to the Syrian refugees who have arrived in Glasgow today, and wish them all the best as they are supported to start their new lives here.
“These people have fled terror and tyranny and are some of the most vulnerable among those affected by conflict in Syria. They have arrived directly from refugee camps and we have been working closely with the Home Office who have robust and thorough security screening processes in place. They will now travel to a number of communities across Scotland.
“The practical offers of support from ordinary people across Scotland who want to help alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable people caught up in this humanitarian emergency has been overwhelming.
“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all the partners that have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to make the necessary arrangements for the arrivals. We will continue to have an important role to play in helping these refugees settle into their new lives in Scotland.”
Syrian refugees who are fleeing conflict in their home country will be welcomed to Edinburgh after councillors agreed last May to take part in a relocation project. Earlier today Council Leader Andrew Burns told STV that he expected all refugees to get a warm welcome in the capital.
Members of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee approved a report recommending that the capital takes part in the UK Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, which will involve up to five of the war-torn country’s most needy families being homed in Edinburgh.
Councillor Maureen Child, Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee, said at the time: “As a city we are keen to provide support and assistance to those in need, and charities like Mercy Corps and Edinburgh Direct Aid have been striving to make a difference for those suffering in Syria.
“We now aim to build on this work by considering proposals to resettle some of the most vulnerable refugees in Edinburgh, and we welcome the backing of so many members of the community for the scheme.”
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