Third Syrian family in town
A third Syrian family have arrived in Rutherglen under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.
Their arrival brings the number of refugee families in South Lanarkshire to seven overall.
According to a council spokeswoman the latest arr ivals have “settled and integrated well into welcoming communities and continue to express their thanks and appreciation of the support they have had.”
Rutherglen was the first town in South Lanarkshire to welcome families under the scheme back in December.
The other four families have been relocated to Hamilton.
Eddie McAvoy, South Lanarkshire Council leader said: “Our families who are settling here are being given a good Scots welcome and I am confident the three new families who arrived last week will enjoy the same experience and community support.
“Together with our community planning partners the council has pledged to help 60 individuals this year, which means 12 to 15 families will resettle here and make South Lanarkshire their home.”
Up to end of June 2016 just over 800 refugees will have been relocated in Scotland throughout 29 local authority areas.
Through their involvement in the SVPR Scheme the families have been identified as being prioritised as requiring either urgent medical treatment, are survivors of torture and violence, or women and children at risk.
The council spokeswoman added: “There continues to be an extended network of Council and Community Planning Partners, including health professionals, DWP, voluntary sector, community and faith groups who provide ongoing support.
“This includes housing, education, access to medical, dental and eye care and help to integrate into community life including English language training.”
The refugees have been in camps in Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt for the past four years, with some born in camps.
Families are given humanitarian protection and have leave to remain in the United Kingdom for five years and qualify for full access to public assistance and funds.