COSLA’s Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Councillor Kelly Parry, has welcomed funding of £2.8 million that will help settle refugees into communities in Scotland.

The New Scots Refugee Integration Delivery Project will offer small, medium or large grants to organisations to either widen existing work, or start new initiatives which assist those who have had to flee their own country to escape war and terror.

Councillor Parry said: “I am delighted that COSLA is working in partnership with the Scottish Government, the Scottish Refugee Council and the University of Glasgow to oversee the New Scots Integration Strategy Delivery Project.  This will fund a range of new and exciting initiatives aimed at supporting the rights of refugees across Scotland and ensure those seeking sanctuary feel safe and welcomed in our communities.

“During the last five years, all 32 of Scotland’s Local Authorities have played an integral role in facilitating the resettlement and integration of thousands of refugees across the country and we remain committed to the aspirations of the New Scots Integration Strategy.

“We look forward to working with colleagues in Local Government, and across different sectors, to develop innovative integration projects which continue to adapt to the changing needs of our communities and recognise the invaluable contribution of New Scots to our society.”