Moray Council’s decision to give rent-free support to a group helping refugees has been backed.
This week, the local authority decided to drop the £11,000-a-year charge on three units at the Chanonry Industrial Estate in Elgin.
Moray Supports Refugees has been collecting donations for refugees based in camps in France and Greece, as well as families who have recently settled in the region.
Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie said: “Refugees have given up everything to escape nightmare situations like the war in Syria.
“I’m so grateful for the work the volunteers of Moray Supports Refugees do to help refugees put their lives back together.
“The support of Moray Council in the form of premises and the business rates waiver allows Moray Supports Refugees to do even more to help refugees, both on the Continent and here in Moray.”
Mr Finnie has now lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament to welcome the decision.
He added: “It’s also an important gesture, showing that Moray welcomes refugees, rejects xenophobia, and is determined to be a safe and supportive home for those fleeing war and persecution.
“Both Moray Supports Refugees and Moray Council deserve our sincerest gratitude for working to make that home a reality for people who have none.”