Andrew Douglas
Aberdeen City Council has broken its silence on whether or not it is willing to take in Syrian refugees.
The local authority’s leader Jenny Laing said that the Granite City would “play its part” in the global effort to give sanctuary to those fleeing war and persecution.
Mrs Laing said: “This is clearly a worldwide humanitarian crisis that requires an international as well as a national response, and Aberdeen City Council stands ready to play its part in the process of assisting those who are fleeing conflict.
“We were pleased to attend yesterday’s summit in Edinburgh, attended by council representatives from across Scotland as well as the UK and Scottish governments.
“An agreement was reached that the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) will take the lead on negotiations with the UK and Scottish governments around funding on behalf of all councils in Scotland.
“In Aberdeen, we will be playing our part and taking refugees under the UK Home Office’s Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.”
The city council had been criticised for failing to commit to bringing refugees to the area.
Glasgow has housed dozens and is open to more, while Edinburgh has said it will accept 100.