Scotland is expected to take about a third of the 1,000 Syrian refugees due to arrive in the UK before Christmas.
The number is considerably higher than Scotland’s equivalent population share of around 10% – the proportion ministers had anticipated taking.
International development minister Humza Yousaf said the move represents a “great symbol of our compassion” and the country’s readiness to help.
The taskforce set up to co-ordinate Scotland’s practical response to the refugee crisis met today ahead of the first new arrivals.
Mr Yousaf, who chairs the group, has offered to visit the local authorities expected to receive refugees to discuss their arrangements and preparations, and the integration process.
He said: “Scotland’s response to the humanitarian crisis has been phenomenal and we have been working to ensure we provide a very warm welcome to those who come to Scotland seeking protection, safety and security.
“Of the refugees expected to arrive in the UK before Christmas, Scotland is expected to take around one third and this is testament to the work of the taskforce, local authorities and many other partner organisations to ensure we are ready – and we are ready.
“It is a great symbol of our compassion that Scotland is expected to take a third of refugees arriving before Christmas while making up only 10% of the UK population.
“Areas such as local government, housing, health services, language support, transport and social services are crucial to this, and the taskforce has worked to ensure these services are ready.”
Pressure to admit more refugees to the UK grew after images of those fleeing Syria and other war-torn regions to reach Europe hit the headlines.
David Cameron has said the UK will not be involved in any European Union (EU) refugee quota system or help with the thousands of refugees already in Europe.
Instead, the Prime Minister has said the UK will take 20,000 refugees from camps over the next five years.