A family threatened with deportation from Scotland to Australia has been allowed to remain in the UK until August - but refused the right to work, according to their MP.

SNP MP Ian Blackford said he was informed of the Home Office decision surrounding the Highland-based Brain family on Monday evening

The politician branded the decision "unfair" as he called on UK Immigration Minister James Brokenshire to rethink the stance urgently.

Gregg Brain moved from Australia to Dingwall with his wife Kathryn and their son Lachlan in 2011. Lachlan, who is now seven, has Gaelic as his first

The father and son came to Scotland as dependants of Mrs Brain, who was on a student visa at a time when a two-year post-study visa was in existence - but it was later abolished.

Glasgow Times:

The family's case has drawn support from their local community and politicians, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, amid fears they were at risk of being deported on Tuesday.

They hoped a job offer made to Mrs Brain by GlenWyvis distillery in Dingwall would meet visa requirements and allow them to stay.

Mr Blackford - the MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber - said that, following the campaign on their behalf, the family has been granted leave to remain until August 1.

But he said Mr and Mrs Brain have been told they cannot work in the meantime.

"I find it utterly incredulous that Home Office minister James Brokenshire has decided to extend the Brain family's right to stay in their home in Scotland but refused to grant them the right to work," said Mr Blackford.

"How does he expect Kathryn, Gregg and Lachlan to make ends meet until the beginning of August while the UK government refuses to allow them to work?

"Both Kathryn and Gregg have secured jobs in the local area, which would benefit the local economy and allow them to continue the enormous contribution that they have already made to life in the Highlands.

"What's more is that Kathryn's job for GlenWyvis Distillery is a role aimed at increasing funding for the start-up company which will in turn drive up investment and create more jobs in the Highlands.

"The Tories must urgently rethink this unfair and pig-headed decision - it cannot be right that a young family should have to live with such uncertainty and worry to continue to stay in their home."