A former defence chief today said he was "ashamed" at the treatment of an Iraqi interpreter, allowed to resettle in Scotland after working for the British Army.

The man, known as Abdul, and his family are reportedly living in poor accommodation in a run-down area of Glasgow.

He and his family came to the UK under a scheme which offers interpreters and other staff who worked for the armed forces in Iraq the chance to settle in the UK or receive financial help.

Abdul is struggling to cope financially, and would like to move to a quieter, safer area, BBC Scotland reported.

Lord Guthrie, former chief of the defence staff, said a "great debt" was owed to the work of local interpreters, and criticised the way Abdul has been treated.

He told the BBC: "I am a bit ashamed that a country like ours treats people - or could be treating people who have been our allies, putting their necks on the line for us - just treating them like this.

"I do think we ought to treat them with respect, to make quite sure they're looked after properly, (that) they have some dignity and we give them the chance to start a new life."

Under the Home Office's Direct Entry scheme, the Iraqi families will be given a place to stay for three months and financial assistance.

They will then be eligible for a minimum six-month tenancy and welfare support.

Three families have so far arrived to settle in Glasgow, and more are expected to come under the scheme.

Glasgow City Council said it understands Abdul and his family are satisfied with their accommodation in the city's Red Road flats.

In a joint statement Glasgow City Council and the Home Office said: "We work closely to ensure former Iraqi staff receive the support they need.

"Glasgow has a strong record of supporting newcomers and helping them integrate with our support.

"We are sure they can look to the future with confidence."

The first group of Iraqis to take part in the resettlement programme arrived at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire in April.