SEVEN years ago some Glaswegians were furious when asylum seekers were moved into their communities.

Today they are still angry - but it is no longer the fact families from around the world are living next door to them that fuels their outrage.

It is because of the authorities' attempts to evict the people who have become their friends and neighbours. Talented Talut is credit to Scotland

Talut Ahmad, 17, is a shining example of an asylum seeker integrating into Glasgow life and excelling at school.

He won eight end-of-term prizes at Castlemilk High, including the Head Teacher's Award for Excellence, the Plato IT prize and the Weir's computing award, and in August learned he had gained four As and a B in his Highers.

His head teacher described him as a fantastic ambassador for his school.

Talut is now studying chemical engineering at Strathclyde University after a change in rules allowed asylum youngsters to access higher education.

He has called Croftfoot home for six years but his family is still awaiting news on its asylum claim.

Talut, who has a sister Sara, 21, said: "I am proud. I promised my dad I would work my hardest and I have done so."

His father Mahmood, 51, an accountant who is not allowed to work in Scotland, said: "Both my children are very high achievers. They love Scotland and have a great contribution to make here. But it is difficult for them."

Mr Ahmad and his wife and family fled Lahore, the capital of Pakistan, in 2000 after being persecuted over their faith. Timesfile

Many of Glasgow's 5230 asylum seekers live in one of five communities. Around 1500 are in Sighthill, 400 in Govan, while Shawbridge, Govanhill and Kingsway each house around 350. The rest live scattered in other communities. Around 4000 live in supported council flats, the remainder in YMCA or Angel Group accommodation. The asylum seekers - people who have left their country of origin, applied for asylum in another country and are awaiting a decision - come from 50 countries. The biggest groups are from Pakistan (541 adults and children in total), Democratic Republic of Congo (442), Turkey (395), Somalia (367), Iran (340), Sri Lanka (236), Afghanistan (233) and Iraq (207). Statistics show there are 1773 asylum pupils in primaries and secondaries across the city, accounting for just below 2% of the total pupils. There are also 585 young refugees - people whose asylum bid has been successful, having proved they face persecution back home - in Glasgow schools. Figures on the numbers of adult refugees living in Glasgow are not available, but it is estimated there are around 4000 in Scotland. Around 10-15% of asylum seekers are granted a positive decision first time and a further 20% on appeal.

Some have gone to great lengths to support the asylum seekers' fight to stay in the city.

The change in attitudes has been remarkable, says John Donaldson, the council's head of immigration and emergency planning.

He says: "When we first started supporting asylum seekers in Glasgow we used to get letters from Mr Angry' saying: How dare you house these people in our city? How dare you let them use our services?

"People had this idea their taxes were paying for services used by asylum seekers, which is not true.

"So much has changed since then. These days we get letters from Glaswegians saying How dare you refuse to let these families stay?' "Asylum seekers are now their friends and neighbours. Glasgow has responded very well to the change and we should be proud of that.

"The city has always been the friendly face of Scotland. We have a history of welcoming new people- the Irish during the potato famine, the Italians after that, and so on.

"Can you imagine Glasgow now without its Asian restaurants?"

Asylum seekers are among the world's most vulnerable people, often fleeing civil war, torture and oppression.

In 2000 the Home Office contract was signed and Glasgow is still the only Scottish local authority to offer refuge to these desperate families.

The city now has 5230 asylum seekers living mostly in five communities - Govan; Shawbridge in Pollokshaws; and Govanhill, all in the South Side; Kingsway in Scotstoun; and Sighthill, both in the north of the city.

Mr Donaldson added: "Other local authorities look to Glasgow for guidance. The city is setting the standard."

There are many reasons for the change in heart of Glasgow people, not least is which that many children now share a classroom with asylum seeking youngsters. School places are sourced for every asylum-seeking child, with all costs met by the Scottish Government.

The young asylum seekers quickly adapt to new schools and surroundings and often pick up English faster than their parents.

Some have been here up to seven years, a huge chunk of their short lives, and know nowhere else as home.

Achieving educational or sporting success, they can also serve as positive role models for their Glasgow peers.

Support services, for asylum seekers and local people, have also improved.

Initially, translation and language services and efforts to prepare residents for welcoming the visitors into their communities were thought to be inadequate, fuelling division and conflict.

Sighthill still houses the biggest single concentration of asylum seekers and Turkish man Firsat Dag was murdered in August 2001 in an unprovoked attack.

Today, racially-motivated crime remains an issue.

Sighthill recorded 34 racist crimes in 2005-06, the highest total of any Strathclyde Police beat. But anti-racism campaigners said the real figure was much higher.

Racial tensions have also been blamed for violence on the streets of Govanhill.

But much more is now being done to promote integration.

Framework For Dialogue groups have been set up to ensure indigenous residents get their say.

Mr Donaldson said: "I am not saying there have not been any tensions or problems but, generally, we have good community relations in Glasgow. We have not had any of the problems that some parts of England have experienced."

On arrival in Glasgow the families are met by support staff who organise food, as well as registering them with GPs.

Adult asylum seekers face a number of constraints upon their day-to-day lives.

They are required to sign on' at Brand Street immigration centre in Govan once a week.

It is during these visits some have been arrested and detained.

They must feed and clothe themselves and their families on Income Support payments that are 70% of normal payments.

Home Office rules ban asylum seekers from working until they are given leave to remain, a process that can take from six months to six years.

Mr Donaldson says: "Some asylum seekers who come to Glasgow are doctors or architects. They want to work, they are proud people, they have a status in their country. But when they come here they are not allowed to work.

"If people who have been here for a long time, who are likely to stay and have shown no problems in their community, could be involved in some sort of training programme it would be much better."

Sally Daghlian, chief executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, said: "According to recent research, Glasgow gives the warmest welcome to refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.

"Across the country, Scots, refugees and asylum seekers are living and learning alongside each other, working for better communities and futures for their children.

"People are recognising what they have in common, instead of concentrating on what sets them apart. This is what real integration is about and Scotland should be proud of its achievements."