INVERCLYDE has taken in more asylum seekers per capita than all but two of Scotland's local authorities in the last year, according to new figures.

The Home Office data reveals 200 immigrants have found refuge in the area in the 12 months to March 2023 - a rate of 0.26 per cent against the region's estimated total population of almost 77,000 - and more than 21 other Scottish council areas.

Only Glasgow City and Perth & Kinross councils have a higher rate per capita among the country's 32 local authorities.

The recently-published statistics show that 54 people have arrived in Inverclyde over the past year as part of the UK Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme, launched in March 2022 in response to Russia's invasion of its Eastern European neighbours.

The scheme facilitates UK citizens to sponsor and temporarily house refugees fleeing the conflict, and the Telegraph reported earlier this month on two Ukrainian families who said 'thank you' to Greenock and its people after returning home to be reunited with loved ones.

A further 78 people now call our area home thanks to the Afghan Resettlement Programme, set up after the Taliban reclaimed control of Afghanistan in 2021.

READ MORE: Refugees from Greenock say 'thank you' as they go home to Ukraine

Meanwhile, the figures also reveal 68 folk have reached Inverclyde through supported asylum placements.

Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan said the stats are reflective of the area's 'welcoming tradition'.

With Refugee Week taking place this week, from June 19-25, the SNP man said: "My experience is that they want to seek refuge and ultimately most would prefer, if it was possible, to return to their own country.

"While here they want to work and contribute in any way they can to our community.

"But UK laws have made that difficult and in some cases impossible.

"Scotland, like Inverclyde, should be a welcoming place for refugees.

READ MORE: Ukrainian family forced to flee homeland by war start new life in Greenock

"I have regularly spoken to some of the 52 asylum seekers currently housed in a local hotel.

"They are in limbo because of the dereliction of duty by the UK Tory government in processing claims, and I have consistently raised cases with the Home Office.

"Inverclyde Council offers services such as health checks and signposting to other services, so there is support in place.

"We shall continue to provide help whenever we can and I am proud that the people of Inverclyde, during these difficult times, have accepted so many into our community."

Alongside the Afghan and Ukrainian nationals, Inverclyde is also home to Syrian and Sudanese families who have moved to the area under other resettlement schemes.