Highland Council preparing to house more Syrian refugees

Highland Council is working with Cosla on resettling refugees

Highland Council has begun preparations to house a second group of Syrian refugees.

Earlier this year, the local authority resettled five families who had fled from conflict in Syria.

The council hopes to eventually offer homes to 25 to 30 families over a period of time up to the year 2020.

Like other Scottish authorities, it has been working with Scottish councils body Cosla on resettling families of refugees.

The first group of refugees to be resettled by Highland Council were housed in the Alness area of Ross-shire.

Margaret Davidson, leader of the local authority, said: "Highland has already welcomed five families into our region and we are committed to playing our part in helping resettle more refugees from Syria.

"We are continuing to work with our key partners to ensure that we are in the best position possible to ensure a smooth transition for refugee families when they arrive."

She added: "We expect to receive the second group of refugees in the early months of next year and we are doing everything that we can to be ready to support them adjust to their new lives in the Highlands."