A language project for Syrian refugees living in Scotland is to be piloted in four local authorities.
The scheme will bring them together with local people so they can practice English, share cultures and get involved with community events and activities.
Scotland has become home to 1,000 Syrian refugees since a summit was held last year aimed at helping to address the international crisis.
Equalities Secretary Angela Constance said the project, which has been given £85,000 of funding, will build on the English language training all Syrian refugees have received.
It has not yet been decided which councils will host the pilot.
She said: "Speaking with the refugees I met last week - and with others over the last few months - what has struck me is the very real challenges of trying to settle into a new place and to actually navigate through services, especially when faced with language barriers.
"This new pilot will help Syrian refugees practice their English and get to know more about the areas that they have moved to by spending time with other people living within their local communities.
"We have been inundated with offers of support from the public since we launched our Scotland Welcomes Refugees website last year and I am pleased that we can take advantage of these kind offers and get people volunteering locally.
"Many of the refugees owned their own businesses or were teachers before war and terrorism forced them to flee Syria.
"I hope this project will also allow them to share their skills and talents to help strengthen and diversify our communities."
At last September's summit First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that Scotland should accept 1,000 refugees "as a starting point for a meaningful discussion".
The UK Government has agreed to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees through its vulnerable persons resettlement (VPR) scheme over the next five years.
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