MORE than three-quarters of the Ukrainian refugees who have made Renfrewshire their home are living in temporary accommodation, a new report reveals.

Concerns had been raised about a high number of refugees arriving in Scotland without a sponsor after fleeing from the Russian invasion.

Figures for June show that, in Renfrewshire, 232 of the 296 new arrivals (78%) were in temporary accommodation.

The data, released after Freedom of Information requests to all councils by the Scottish Conservatives, also reveals that 20% of refugees who fled to Scotland were still awaiting matches with sponsors as part of the Super Sponsor Scheme.

Miles Briggs, the party’s housing spokesperson, told The Gazette: “This scheme was supposed to offer refugees a sense of stability but, today, thousands are still facing an uncertain future without a sponsor.

“It is essential that Ukrainians who have fled the war are able to find a real community in Scotland where they can rebuild their lives.

“Yet this can only happen if sponsorship is being properly promoted, something which the SNP government is failing to do.”

However, Neil Gray, minister with special responsibilities for refugees from Ukraine, said the Scottish Government was providing safe accommodation to more displaced people from Ukraine per head of population than any other part of the UK.

He added: “The Scottish Government is providing accommodation that is safe and sustainable whilst people are waiting to be matched to suitable longer-term accommodation.”

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said: “As part of the national response, we are working hard to support people arriving in Scotland who are seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine.

“All those arriving without a pre-arranged place to stay are supported in temporary accommodation and offered the help they need while work continues to find them appropriate, longer-term accommodation.”