A grant of £75,000 to help refugees arriving on the Greek island of Lesbos has been announced by the Scottish Government.

The funding, which builds on a previous donation of £140,000, will support the British Red Cross medical response on the island.

Last year Europe and international development minister Humza Yousaf travelled to Lesbos, where thousands of refugees arrive daily on their journey to Europe.

He said: “I saw first-hand the scale of the need and I know these supplies will make an enormous difference.

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“Volunteers and staff of international aid organisations like the Red Cross are working day in day out to provide humanitarian assistance to those arriving in Europe, having made the perilous journey across the sea.

“We are absolutely committed to helping the most vulnerable people in their hour of need. We know that we must do more to help those men, women and children coming to Europe seeking protection and refuge. Today’s announcement of a further £75,000 will go some way towards that.”

David Miller, interim UK director for the British Red Cross, said: “People are arriving in Europe with very little – some with only a family photo and the clothes they left in.

“Millions of people are being forced to risk their lives in a desperate search for safety as conflicts rage around the world.

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“Red Cross teams have been working around the clock to provide urgently needed supplies such as food, water, nappies and hygiene kits as well as emergency medical treatment.

“We are very grateful for the grant from the Scottish Government which will make a real difference to the refugees and communities affected in Greece and in neighbouring countries.”