AN £8 MILLION service to support the integration of new Scots was launched today by the Scottish government.

The Scottish Refugee Council (SRC) will run the scheme on behalf of the government, building on earlier efforts which offered support to as many as 10,000 people who had been forced to flee their home countries to seek safety in Scotland.

Announcing the funding, which will run until at least March 2028, SNP Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Refugees and people seeking asylum are welcome in Scotland and this service will support them to start rebuilding their lives here.

“The SRC has already provided incredible support to refugees and people seeking asylum to help them work, study and live in Scotland.

“I’m very pleased that these efforts can continue.”

Welcoming the support, SRC chief executive Sabir Zazai said: “Last year, we worked with people seeking safety in 30 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and connected hundreds of communities across the country, helping them work together to support and welcome new Scots.

“We’re looking forward to building on this work and reaching even more people seeking refugee protection in Scotland.”