Scores of Ukrainians have been provided with a home in East Renfrewshire through a Scottish Government refugee sponsorship project, a new report has revealed.

Latest figures show that 56 people have arrived in the Barrhead area from the war-torn county since the scheme was launched in March last year.

A total of 78 applications were made by East Renfrewshire residents willing to give the refugees a roof over their head, of which 69 were granted.

In each case, the refugee is provided with support and accommodation through backing from an individual sponsor.

Across Scotland, more than 5,000 Ukrainians have been provided with homes under the same scheme.

That followed a total of 7,721 applications being made, of which 6,195 were accepted.

The Scottish Government also introduced a separate ‘Super Sponsor’ scheme to provide temporary accommodation for those fleeing Ukraine until a longer-term place could be found, although this was paused in July last year amid high demand.

According to the most recent figures, more than 20,000 Ukrainians have been given refuge under that initiative.

To date, there have been 38,304 applications under the Super Sponsor scheme. Of that total, 32,601 visas were issued.

There has been criticism that too many Ukrainian refugees are being housed in temporary accommodation.

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Recent figures show there were 3,180 Ukrainians still living in accommodation such as hotels.

In the last year, almost 1,200 empty homes across Scotland have been brought back into use to house Ukrainian refugees, with the help of a £23million Scottish Government fund.

However, none of this accommodation is in East Renfrewshire.

Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and are determined to do all we can to help those who wish to build their life here in Scotland.”

In December last year, a new drop-in centre for refugees opened its doors in Clarkston.

The Ukrainian Cultural Centre was unveiled by members of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB).

Founded in 1946 by Ukrainians who came to these shores at the end of the Second World War, the AUGB is the largest representative body for Ukrainians and those of Ukrainian descent in the UK.

It exists to develop and promote the interests of the Ukrainian community in the UK and foster Ukrainian knowledge, culture, arts, heritage and traditions.

The Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Clarkston was heralded as a safe space for Ukrainians newly arrived to the area, where they can learn English and meet fellow Ukrainians.

They have also been able to take part in art and music lessons, as well as participating in various social activities such as coffee mornings.