The Church of Scotland has welcomed a renewed commitment from the Scottish Government to pilot a free bus passes for asylum seekers scheme.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop promised MSPs that the policy would be implemented before the end of this parliamentary term in 2026.

Rowan Moodie, co-ordinator of Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees (SFAR), a multi-faith partnership charity backed by the Church, said: “The Church of Scotland welcomes the Scottish Parliament’s renewed commitment to providing free bus travel for people seeking asylum.

“The onus is now on the Scottish Government to deliver this life changing policy in as timely a manner as is possible. Every delay can be measured in appointments missed, opportunities lost and integration postponed.”

Asylum seekers are forbidden to work while waiting for their claims to be heard by the UK Home Office and those in catered accommodation survive on as little as £8.50 a week.