INVERCLYDE Council says it 'stands ready' to welcome refugees from war-ravaged Ukraine into the district.

The local authority is already linking up with national agencies after the Scottish Government signalled an intention for the country to become a 'super sponsor' of people fleeing Russia's brutal invasion.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made an immediate commitment to support 3,000 refugees in the initial wave of arrivals — and the council is making preparations to take in part of the influx.

A Municipal Buildings spokesman said: "We are shocked and saddened by what is happening in Ukraine and we stand ready to do what we can to support the Ukrainian people, like we have done in the past with our new Scots families from Syria, Afghanistan and other war-torn nations.

"Our new Scots service is linking in with national agencies to assess the need and what the arrangements are likely to be."

The 3,000 figure Scotland is committed to is in line with the numbers resettled under the Syrian scheme.

Ms Sturgeon said: "I want Scotland to play our full part in welcoming Ukrainians seeking sanctuary from war."

The First Minister told Holyrood: "The response of the public in offering support has been outstanding.

"Under the UK scheme though – with the exception of people who already know someone seeking refuge – it may be some time before most of those offering help will be able to actually welcome someone from Ukraine.

"The Scottish Government's 'super-sponsor' proposal is intended to short-circuit this and allow Ukrainians to get here and be supported more quickly.

"I am pleased to advise that the UK Government has now indicated support for this proposal in principle, and has committed to working with us towards its immediate launch alongside the wider UK scheme.

"This is a positive development and I hope — assuming we can agree details — that, as a start, it will allow Scotland to welcome 3,000 Ukrainians to Scotland very soon."

The Tele reported on Saturday how a local couple who run a hotel in Greenock have signed up to the UK Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Kind hearted Tom and Shirley Smith, who run the OYO Gin House, plan to convert rooms there into an apartment for a family who have been forced to flee their home in Donetsk.

After signing up for the scheme Tom found a family - Olana Kolesnykova, 55, her daughter Valeriia, 21, and nine-year-old Kseniia - needing help.