Glasgow MSPs joined volunteers with charity Glasgow the Caring City as they loaded a shipment of aid which is to be sent to refugees in the Balkans.

Thousands of people have fled war-torn Syria and journeyed through Turkey, Greece and Macedonia to Serbia.

Glasgow the Caring City is to send a container of supplies to the country’s second largest city, Novi Sad.

The charity was originally set up in 1999 to assist people made homeless by wars across the Balkans.

Reverend Neil Galbraith from Glasgow the Caring City said: “Structuring a humanitarian response which meets the needs of people fleeing the most distressing circumstances of violence and conflict, is a skilled and professional task.

“Glasgow the Caring City charity leads from the front at times such as this. We are the conduit between the goodwill of the people of Scotland and those seeking refuge in times of crisis.

“Our people on the ground in Serbia and senior staff in Scotland are coordinating an aid distribution program which links with local statutory agencies, The Red Cross and other NGO’s to ensure that we effectively contribute to a situation which is ever changing in nature and scale with each passing day.

“Glasgow’s charity is matching the goodwill of the Scottish people with the needs of those in their greatest hours of need. Our aid will be sustained and will cover a large geographical area including Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia and northern Greece but vitally, it is coordinated by our staff on the ground and highly experienced partner agencies.”

Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf and fellow Glasgow MSP James Dornan were on hand yesterday to help load a truck which will set off for the region in the coming weeks.

Mr Yousaf said: “We have been overwhelmed with practical offers of support from people across Scotland who want to help alleviate the suffering of vulnerable people caught up in this humanitarian emergency. Scotland’s response has been amazing so far.”

Mr Dornan added: “There has been an absolutely amazing response. There are literally tonnes of goods. This appeal really shows Glasgow and Scotland at its best. I want to congratulate Glasgow the Caring City for coordinating the appeal and thank everyone who has donated so far.”

Mr Yousaf recently set up a refugee task force to coordinate Scotland’s response to the refugee crisis.

He added: “The work of the refugee task force is well underway. Scotland stands ready to give the very best of Scottish welcomes to the refugees who are fleeing their homes and seeking protection, safety and security but we’re urging the UK Government to do more now and help those in need on mainland Europe.

“The Scottish Government has reiterated its support, making it clear to the UK Government that we will take a proportionate share of the numbers who come to the UK.”