Afghan interpreters who put their lives at risk by providing support to British forces during the Afghanistan war could be resettled in Fife.
With the draw down of British forces in Afghanistan under way, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond recently announced the UK Government intends to resettle at least 300 Afghan households in the UK in 2014-15.
It has now emerged that subject to Home Office negotiation, between six and 10 of these Afghan households could be accepted into Fife.
The possibility of the move has been welcomed by Fife councillors, who said the UK had a “moral duty” to help people whose lives would be at risk were they to stay in Afghanistan.
A report on Fife’s potential participation in the UK Government’s Afghan Relocation Ex-Gratia Scheme was presented to the local authority’s executive committee.
Derek Muir, head of housing and neighbourhood services, said: “The Prime Minister has made a commitment to relocate to the UK 300 Afghan families and individuals who have assisted the British Army during the period of service duty in Afghanistan.
“It is recognised there is a clear threat to life for these individuals should they remain in Afghanistan.”
Mr Muir said Glasgow City Council had significant experience in receiving asylum seekers, and refugees from Syria, Africa and Arab countries.
He said they will offer costing assistance to the three other local authorities interested in taking Afghans Fife, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire.
He said the costings are of significant importance in making the scheme work for Fife so that no costs fall on the council tax payer.
Financial support would come from the Home Office.
St Andrews councillor Dorothea Morrison welcomed the proposal but asked for assurances the Afghans would be secure in Fife communities.
The SNP group leader, Councillor Peter Grant, said the UK had a “moral duty” to give these Afghans protection whether people agreed with the war or not.
He said the council would have to explore whether these people wanted to “forget” their past or whether they would want to be grouped together as an Afghan community somewhere in Fife.
Joe Rosiejak the son of a Second World War Polish soldier said Fife had a long, proud history of welcoming and integrating refugee families.
Neale Hanvey said it was important that xenophobic attitudes from a number of “small-minded individuals” were not allowed to influence their welcome to Fife.