Scotland is facing a 'humanitarian crisis'

Thousands may have to sleep in public buildings

- MARK MCGIVERN

SCOTLAND is gearing up for a "humanitarian catastrophe" that will lead to thousands of refugees sleeping in public buildings.

Glasgow City Council is already considering plans to make emergency shelters for asylum seekers that could lead to shutting community services and taking over leisure centres.

At an emergency meeting on Thursday, councillors were told 2500 asylum claims would be fast-tracked, on Home Office orders, by the end of the year.

Officials have estimated the cost of meeting the huge extra demands of housing refugees at £53million but many services have already been cut due to cash shortages.