GLASGOW has welcomed many refugees from many countries in recent years and provided them with a home.

The dispersal programme was not without its difficulties as communities adjusted to growing numbers of new people from often very different cultures.

But, overall, the city rose to the challenge and many people played an integral part in successful campaigns to stop unfair deportations and dawn raids.

Which makes the plight of Alaa Alkhalef and Hassan Alsalkhand and their children all the more disturbing.

To come here from anywhere in the world and experience racist abuse is unacceptable to the vast majority of people in Glasgow, and we know the authorities from police and council to housing associations will not tolerate it.

The couple are doing what any other parents would do in seeking a safe home and future for their children. They should be commended for their bravery in seeking a new life free from civil war and civil strife instead of being made to feel afraid in their new home.

Glasgow is a city built by wave after wave of migrants from within Scotland and from the wider world,

The city is renowned and celebrates for its friendly welcome to visitors, as tens of thousands of people witnessed last year.

That should be the case for this family, too, and any others who want to make Glasgow their home.