Ukrainian displaced persons to leave cruise ship in Scotland

That’s according to the BBC, Ukrinform reports.

Over 1,000 people are living on the MS Victoria which has been docked at the port of Leith since last summer. The ship's contract was renewed in December but the Scottish government has said the deal will end on July 11.

People without a home to move to in July are likely to be temporarily housed in hotels, with the Scottish government picking up the bill.

Not all of the people on board will remain in Edinburgh with other parts of Scotland being considered.

A report to the City of Edinburgh Council housing committee on Tuesday said there is "a concern that sufficient accommodation will not be available" in the capital when the cruise ship deal ends.

But it added many who have been living on board "have expressed a desire to remain in the city or nearby".

The meeting also heard a funding bid would be submitted to the Scottish government for GBP1.72 million to get up to 100 currently void council-owned properties ready for refugees leaving the ship.

It is anticipated the first 20 refurbished homes will be ready by the end of this month with work continuing to get the rest up to scratch.

"As it will not be possible to have all of the accommodation outlined in this report available for disembarkation, alternative plans are being developed to ensure that suitable accommodation is available to Ukrainian displaced people in the short term,” the report reads.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Berlin Senate extended the operation of the reception center for refugees from Ukraine at the former Tegel Airport at least until late September.

Photo: STV News