​Website launched to help public support refugees at home and abroad

A new website supporting refugees in Scotland has been launched by a leading Scots charity.

Scotlandwelcomesrefugees.scot has been created by the Scottish Refugee Council in conjunction with the Scottish Government inviting people to donate either time, skills, food and even accommodation to help the refugee community.

The site functions as an information hub and also offers advice to charities on how to host fundraising events and where to find support.

Minister for Europe and international development Humza Yousaf said: "Scotland is firm in its commitment to helping the most vulnerable people in crisis and to accepting our fair share of whatever number of refugees the UK takes.

Scotland's response has been amazing so far - Humza Yousaf

"The first minister has made it very clear that 1,000 refugees coming to Scotland should be seen as a minimum and very much an initial, immediate figure - it is not a cap or a limit, nor is it spread out over five years like the announcement made by the prime minister last week.

"Scotland is happy to take a 10% share of the total number that come to the UK and we again urge the UK government to do more and increase their numbers."

Yousaf added: "Scotland's response has been amazing so far. There are people from all walks of life in different parts of Scotland wanting to do what they can to help.

"There are many groups and organisations already taking practical steps and we really welcome this enthusiasm and energy.

"This new website will provide an important addition in marshalling Scotland's efforts in our concerted and organised response to this refugee crisis."