SCOTLAND'S top law officer says the UK should do more to support refugees facing persecution in their own country.

The Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland spoke out while visiting a group of asylum seekers and refugees in Glasgow.

The Evening Times was given exclusive access to the United Nations in Scotland (UNIS) session to hear concerns faced by people who have fled their homes to seek safety.

Mr Mulholland told the group: "While you are here you are Scottish and you will be treated as if you are one of us, which you are.

"I know that this is the view across the Scottish Government all the way to the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has asked me to send her best wishes to you and her support for our refugee community in Scotland."

When a UNIS member asked if there were plans for Scotland and the UK to take more refugees from Syria, Mr Mulholland said: "I wish. I see it on the TV. We all see what's going on in Syria. Who wouldn't want to help? "I think the UK should do more to help people in need."

Mr Mulholland, along with representatives from the Scottish Refugee Council and Police Scotland, helped answer questions on traffic offences, bullying, how to avoid breaking the law and how they are protected by the law. They also helped with queries on immigration and working.

UNIS is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and Scotland Foundation. The group is supported by Police Scotland, the refugee council, BEMIS, Findlay Church and works with International Women's Group, Crossing Borders and Inner Circle Scottish men's group.

Ahlam Souidi, an Evening Times Community Champion and co-founder of UNIS, said the event was about "voices being heard."

She added: "When it comes to the law ignorance is not an excuse but many refugees only get to know the law when they come into contact with it.

"The time has come now, lawmakers need to come over to the community and listen to them, and how they can work together for a better practise of law."

Ms Souidi said asylum seekers should be allowed to work so they can contribute to society.

She said: "We want a better system in place, to make sure people are given the opportunity to access information they need.

"We can't exploit vulnerable people. These are desperate people, they want to survive."

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk