Increase in asylum cases recorded in Scotland

THE number of asylum seekers in Scotland has increased, according to new statistics from the UK Government.

- BY DOUGLAS DICKIE

And despite Labour's pledge to end the use of so-called migrant hotels by the next election, the number of people housed in such facilities in the country has risen dramatically.

Home Office data reveals in September, there were 6,350 asylum seekers supported by the government in Scotland, compared with 6,107 in June, a rise of almost 4%.

And the number housed in “contingency accommodation” such as hotels rose 14% from 1,573 in June to 1,798 in September, with the UK figure rising 13% to 36,273.