Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

THE first charter flight carrying Syrian refugees arrived in Scotland this afternoon as part of the UK government's resettlement scheme.

Around 100 people were transported by plane from refugee camps in the Middle East, travelling from Beirut in Lebanon to Glasgow Airport.

Many have been described as vulnerable and some had stayed in camps for up to four years.

Landing in Glasgow at 3.30pm this afternoon, the first arrivals were expected to be resettled by local authorities across the country, including Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Also understood to be providing a home for the refugees were Inverclyde and North Ayrshire.

The refugees remained airside after landing at the airport and did not pass through the arrivals hall.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The UK Government has pledged to rehome 20,000 refugees by 2020 - with 1,000 due to arrive before Christmas.

Those arriving will have undergone a two-stage security check to ensure they do not pose a terror threat.

They will be given housing, legal protection, access to employment, education and expert medical care as part of the vulnerable persons resettlement scheme (VPR).

After five years they can apply to remain in the UK.

A total of 2,000 Syrian refugees will be starting a new life in Scotland.

Some refugees have already arrived in the country since the start of VPR in September, but the scheme has been expanded with the launch of charter flights.

(Image: Daily Record/Alasdair MacLeod)

Humza Yousaf, Scottish minister for Europe and International Development posted a message on Twitter today welcoming the refugees.

He wrote: "Proud day for our country. When vulnerable needed compassion we were there. Let's now welcome them into our communities £RefugeesWelcome"

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale also extended a warm welcome to the refugees as Holyrood took a motion of condolence yesterday.

She said: "When the first of the refugees from Syria arrive in Glasgow today let's welcome them with open and loving arms.

"Let's look at them like we do those Parisians who fled the violence on Friday evening.

"People, like you and I, who don't want to live in fear of constant violence.

"Families who just want to get on with their lives.

"Because they have travelled halfway across the world to get away from the terrorists in their own land.

"Often driven by the fear that lies behind them over the road ahead.

"So from this chamber to those refugees arriving today let the message ring out: You will find friendship in your new home here in Scotland."

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The Scottish Refugee Council said they had been "overwhelmed" by the number of Scots offering to help Syrians.

Gary Christie, Head of Communications, said: "We look forward to welcoming the new Syrian arrivals to Scotland and, in partnership with local authorities and communities across the country, providing as much support as we can to help them rebuild their lives here in safety.

"Over the last few months we've been overwhelmed by the way people in Scotland have responded to the crisis facing refugees.

"Thousands have offered rooms in their homes, time, skills and money to help refugees settle in Scotland.

"This goodwill and the sense that people from all walks of life are pulling together and ready to do what they can to help refugees will be crucial in helping the new Syrian families feel human again and begin to see and achieve a future for themselves in their new home."

One man who is seeking protection in the UK and volunteering at Scottish Refugee Council said:

"To be a refugee is not a choice; it is a decision based on our human instinct to survive and we should never lose sight of that.

"No one wants to be a refugee. I wish I was in Syria, in my home town, with my wife and family.

"Scotland like Syria is a beautiful country, but not one of us can be reduced to one single thing and I am no different."

(Image: PA)

Edinburgh City Council said it had agreed to take 100 refugees in the coming year.

Council leader Andrew Burns said: "This week we will start welcoming around half that number to the capital in the run up to Christmas and look forward to welcoming the remainder during the course of next year.

"Naturally, as a city, we're keen to provide support and assistance to those in need of our help. The people coming to Edinburgh have been on a long and difficult journey.

"Working with our partners in health, police and in the third sector we look forward to helping them settle in Edinburgh.

"Our city has long been a multi-cultural capital and we will continue to welcome people from all over the world to live, work and raise families here.

"There has been a huge response from local communities and members of the public wanting to offer help which is very heart-warming but we need to ensure we can channel this support to make the best use of it.

"I have every confidence that the people of Edinburgh will continue to show their support for the families as they adapt into their new lives in the capital."

Inverclyde Council will rehome 10 families from Syria.

A spokesman said: "The council has joined with councils across Scotland in showing our commitment to providing help and support to families facing appalling conditions and fleeing conflict and danger.

"Inverclyde and Scotland have been welcoming places to people in need.

"The council and our health and social care partnership is working closely with local and national agencies to ensure the process is as smooth as it can be for what is expected to be some very vulnerable people who require support and assistance.

"The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) will be involved in the selection process and the International Organisation for Migration will be responsible for their transportation.

"Many of the families will have been resident in the camps for up to four years.

"We will not confirm the detail of any families arriving or when that is. Our priority is to ensure that any families welcomed into our community get the right level of support and compassion and have the time to settle into a new life.

"As a council and a community, Inverclyde will welcome up 10 families as part of this programme who have suffered and require our help to build new lives away from a conflict zone."

Glasgow MSP Humza Yousaf comments on arrival of first refugees from Syria:

Glasgow has also pledged to rehome 50 to 60 refugees over the coming weeks.

A spokesman for the council said: "Glasgow has a proud history of supporting those who have fled terror and oppression around the world.

"We fully intend to play our part in supporting vulnerable people displaced by the conflict in Syria.

"The people who come to Glasgow through the vulnerable person's relocation scheme will be supported by social care services and are entitled to their privacy during a period of great upheaval in their lives.

"In our experience, a low key approach is the most effective way to help vulnerable people resettle and integrate into their new communities."

The arrival of the refugees came as it was reported there had been a spike in incidents sparked by religious hatred in the wake of the Paris terror attacks.

In the early hours of yesterday morning there was a firebomb attack at a cultural centre used by Muslims in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire.

While police said it was not currently being treated as a hate crime, it was "one line of inquiry being looked at".