One of Scotland's leading newspapers has made a bold statement on its front page this morning, the day the first Syrian refugees will arrive in Glasgow.

The National, a daily newspaper, which was vocal in its support for Scottish independence in the run up to the recent referendum, ran the headline: "To the first refugees fleeing war-torn Syria who will arrive at Glasgow Airport today, we'd just like to say: Welcome to Scotland."

The words were accompanied by a beautiful picture of the a ruined castle sitting atop an island in the middle of a lake, which is accessed by a quaint stone bridge.

The newspaper's hospitable sentiments contrasts with several U.S. states who have said they are shutting their doors to Syrian refugees due to security concerns.

Governors from Michigan, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin have either temporarily suspended accepting new refugees or called for an outright ban following reports that one of the Paris attackers may have made his way to France disguised as a refugee.

However, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged Scotland to show tolerance to their fellow humans.

“We are due to welcome Syrian refugees to Scotland tomorrow and we need to show that we are a country of compassion and acceptance.

"These people are fleeing their homes in the search for protection and security, and we are their refuge.

"We cannot let the actions of the few destroy the safety of the many,” Sturgeon said yesterday.

The Scottish government is working with the UK Home Office to have a reinforced screening process in place for refugees arriving.

"The Syrian refugees being resettled in Scotland are some of the most vulnerable refugees and are coming directly from the region.

"They are screened and considered by the Home Office before their arrival," the Scotsman newspaper reported.

Online Editors