SCOTLAND "is ready and willing" to welcome and resettle refugees from the Syrian conflict.

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop spoke out after it emerged the UK is to take in "hundreds" of Syrian refugees following the Government's decision to bow to mounting pressure nationally and globally.

Victims who will be brought in include vulnerable hardship cases: women and girls who have been victims, or are at risk, of sexual violence; survivors of torture; the elderly and the disabled.

Ms Hyslop pledged the full support of Scotland to the aid effort. She said:"The situation is Syria is continuing to deteriorate and the Scottish Government welcomes the UK Government's commitment to offer refuge to those who are caught in the crossfire of this bloody conflict.

"Scotland is ready and willing to play a full role in any UK-wide resettlement effort."