Second cruise ship to house Ukrainian refugees will dock in Glasgow

A second cruise ship to house Ukrainian refugees will be docked in Glasgow, the Scottish Government has announced.

The MS Ambition will provide accommodation for up to 1,750 people seeking asylum from Ukraine.

It is expected to be fully operational by September and will offer the same level of facilities as the first vessel, which is docked in Leith, Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh ship, the MS Victoria I, has 739 rooms and can house between 1,600 and 1,700 refugees.

The Scottish Government said 10,556 displaced Ukrainians have arrived in Scotland through the super sponsor scheme since the start of the Russian invasion.

The scheme was paused in July as the Scottish Government struggled to find suitable homes for all the Ukrainians who required them.

Neil Gray, minister with special responsibility for refugees from Ukraine, said: "The Scottish Government's super sponsor scheme has now enabled more than 10,000 people to come to Scotland following the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

"Unfortunately, there is no end to the war in sight. We are firmly focused on supporting displaced people from Ukraine who are seeking sanctuary in Scotland as they flee the war in their homeland.

"Following the arrival of the MS Victoria I - which has been well received by the people on board - the Scottish Government is chartering a second passenger ship - the MS Ambition - which will be located in Glasgow from early September.

"This will further enhance our ability to provide safe and secure accommodation for those who need it.

Mr Gray has urged Ukrainians to consider all parts of Scotland when seeking refuge.

He added: "We are getting close to capacity for the temporary accommodation currently available, particularly across the central belt.

"While areas like Glasgow and Edinburgh are more familiar to Ukrainians, we are encouraging everyone arriving here to consider other areas across Scotland, especially as we see more visas being issued.

"We can guarantee that anyone arriving here will receive a warm welcome from communities across the country, keen to provide support and open their homes.

"As a humanitarian crisis requiring a whole-of-Scotland response, the Scottish Government continues to work closely with local councils and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to ensure those displaced people who are already here, and those who have applied and are granted permission to travel, will be safe, secure and supported for as long as they need."

The total number of Ukrainians offered a place in Scotland through the scheme and the UK Government's Homes for Ukraine programme is more than 13,000.