Communities in the Highlands are poised to welcome the first refugees from war-torn Syria to the region.
Highland Council said yesterday that it was “close to completing” the preparations for the arrival of up to five families who are fleeing the conflict zone.
They will be resettled in the “inner Moray Firth” area, and will be the first of the up to 30 families that the local authority has committed to taking.
Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “I am very pleased with the progress and preparations that are being made among the partners in the refugee working group.
“Preparations are well in hand and the council is closer to notifying the Home Office that they can welcome Syrian refugees to the Highlands.”
A spokeswoman for the local authority would not disclose the precise location where the refugees will live last night, or the timetable.
Julian Innes, police divisional commander, said: “Highland and Islands Division, as part of Police Scotland, is committed to working in partnership with local authorities and organisations to help ensure Syrian refugees settling in the Highlands are able to integrate into communities safely and successfully.
“Local officers will continue to work with partners to ensure that everyone – whatever their culture, race or religion – is treated with respect, fairness and dignity at all times.”
A working group of officers from the council, NHS Highland, police, Department of Work and Pensions and the voluntary sector has been drawing up the plans, and consulting with other local authorities across Scotland.
Dr Ken Oates, consultant in public health medicine, said: “NHS Highland are working closely with other agencies and local general practitioners to ensure that the refugee families have access to high quality health care.
“We will do all we can to meet their needs which we anticipate may also include mental health and dental health issues.”