An Australian family under threat of deportation are under no 'imminent' risk of deportation, the UK Government has said.

The Brain family moved to Scotland in 2011 on an immigration scheme which has since been disbanded. They are at threat of their right to stay in the UK expiring as they do not currently qualify for a tier two visa.

UK immigration minister James Brokenshire told MPs in the Commons the family face no "imminent risk" of deportation. Brokenshire was speaking on the issue after the family's local MP Ian Blackford tabled an urgent question on the matter.

Brokenshire also revealed that he will be meeting Blackford later on Thursday to discuss the matter again.

He said: "On April 12, I exceptionally extended the 28-day grace period after their leave expired, during which a valid tier 2 application could be made to May 11.

"I subsequently extended the grace period further on April 28 to the end of this month upon hearing Mr Brain had submitted a job application with an appropriate employer.

"We've not yet received an application from the Brain family for leave to remain under the points-based system but we will consider any application they make.

"I'm meeting (Mr Blackford) again this afternoon to further discuss this matter, but he can be assured that the family does not face an imminent risk of immediate deportation."

The urgent question came a day after the SNP's Westminster leader Angus Robertson raised the subject at Prime Minister's Question.

The family's local MP raised the education of their seven year old child Lachlan. He has been educated in Dingwall through intensive Gaelic medium education and argued he would be behind his peers in the Australian school system.

Blackford said: "What we're asking is for the Government to recognise the commitment that this family have made to the Highlands in Scotland, specifically Lachlan - a seven-year-old boy, Gaelic-region education in the Highlands, writing and reading in the Gaelic language.

"He does not write and read in English. He speaks in English but it's a difficult thing to be educated in a different language.

"And the thought of deporting that young boy back to Australia, where he will be two years behind his peer group, is shameful - and that's where the human rights aspect of this comes in.

The Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP called on the minister to show "compassion and humanity" and let the family stay.

"What I can say to the minister today is Kathryn has been offered a job in a start-up business, a new distillery in Dingwall at GlenWyvis, which will offer jobs and prosperity not just to Kathryn but to others.

"We need to recognise they should be given that right to stay today. Give them the time to qualify for the tier 2 visa. Show some compassion and humanity.

The Brain family will later meet the First Minister at the Scottish Parliament.