End in sight for Dungavel detentions

A PILOT project aimed at ending the detention of children at a controversial immigration centre is being launched, it emerged last night.

Families of failed asylum seekers awaiting deportation will be housed in former council flats in Glasgow, before being sent back to their country of origin, the Home Office said.

A spokesman told The Scotsman last night: "We are looking at the possibility of alternative accommodation. We are still in negotiations with bodies such as the city council, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Refugee Council.

"We hope this will be up and running next year, but it is early days yet."

The scheme is designed to end youngsters' being held at Dungavel in Lanarkshire. The pilot follows talks between Jim Murphy, the Scottish Secretary, and the UK Borders and Immigration Agency in Glasgow.

It is expected to be formally announced by Mr Murphy today.

Mr Murphy said last night: "When it comes to families and when it comes to Dungavel, we can do things differently. We can operate in a more sensitive and sensible way."