SYRIAN refugees in the UK have higher skill levels than those in other parts of Europe, according to a Glasgow University study.

Academics carried out a research study among 7300 Syrian refugees in the UK, Lebanon and Greece and will present their findings today as part of an exhibition at The Lighthouse.

Dr Georgios Karyotis, Senior Lecturer in International Relations and Dr Ben Colburn, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, looked at the challenges faced by new arrivals to the country.

Dr Karyotis said: “Young Syrians and citizens in the UK have a diversity of views about religion, politics, and personal morality, but share opinions about what is most valuable for a good life.

"This counters the narrative that migration poses a problem because of incompatibility with 'Western' or 'British' values: in fact there is substantial common ground.”

"Building Futures: Aspirations of Syrian Youth Refugees and Host Population Responses in Lebanon, Greece and the UK" was a project carried out with the university, the Scottish Refugee Council, Solidarity Now and Educart.

Its findings show young Syrian refugees aged 18 to 32 in the UK have the highest levels of skills and training compared with those in Greece and in Lebanon with two-thirds being in work or studying.

They are also much better supported in the UK than the other two countries and face less discrimination than those elsewhere.

Khaled, a fieldworker on the project, is studying electrical and electronics engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University but wants to be a politician.

He said: "I am currently a member of the Scottish youth parliament as well as the Glasgow youth council. My life in the U.K. has been quite enjoyable.

"The UK gave me a wide range of opportunities and I feel optimistic about the future.”

Rana, 27, came from Syria to be resettled in Hamilton and is also a fieldworker for the project.

She said: "I came to this country with my husband and my children through UNICEF to build ourselves after the war destroyed us.

"I look for peace and security for my family. I am trying to build a better future here.

"I feel a sense of hope here in this country and aspire to prove myself and my work."

The Exhibition will be held at The Lighthouse until April 8.