Scottish Government minister praises Highland communities for giving warm welcome to displaced Ukrainians
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The widespread will of Highland communities to help Ukrainians who have fled their war-torn homeland has been praised by a Scottish Government minister.
Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick – also Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees – also reflected on the "great strength of spirit and determination" among displaced Ukrainians after calling in at a newly-opened hub in Inverness for lunch.
Ms Roddick, who later spoke about her visit during a debate in the Scottish Parliament, said: "I have met frequently with folk who were forced to flee Ukraine and have come to live in the Highlands, and I am constantly amazed at the strength and the resilience they have shown."
- 'Right now, I only live one day at a time' – facing Christmas away from home in Ukraine
- Ukrainian mums desperate to help war-torn homeland
- Old Army blankets dispatched from Inverness to Ukrainians close to frontline
- Highland 4x4 to take on frontline role
Following Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 20,000 Ukrainians arrived in Scotland, including more than 800 who came to the Highlands.
Ms Roddick spoke about their experiences during a Scottish Parliamentary debate on a paper published by the Scottish Government in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
Entitled Ukraine – A Warm Scots Future: Policy Position, it sets out the government’s plans for the transition from providing emergency refuge to supporting Ukrainians long-term to rebuild their lives in Scotland and integrate into their local communities.
Ms Roddick highlighted the work of organisations and communities in the Highlands to help Ukrainians settle into their new lives in Scotland.
"Organisations and members of the public collectively pulled together to provide a warm welcome and support for those fleeing the barbaric invasion of their home country," she said.
She heard in detail about their experiences when she was welcomed by Ukrainians and Highlanders who support them to the Highlands for Ukraine hub in Strothers Lane, Inverness.
"We spoke about the assistance they are given, events and opportunities to gather that have been helpful to them," she said.
"It was clear that there was a great strength of spirit and determination among displaced Ukrainians who are now making their home in the Highlands, and the widespread will of the community to help them.
"I have heard of communities in the Highlands offering their homes and hosting Ukrainians, collecting donations to be sent on trucks to eastern Europe, and of the local Rotary Club who have organised many events to help them feel welcome, including a sleigh ride.
"I am so proud that Ukrainians now call the Highlands their home.
"Their positive experience is down to the amazing organisations we have in our communities and the warm welcome Highlanders have given them."
One of the highlights of Ms Roddick's visit to the Inverness hub was a serving of Ukrainian traditional cakes which pastry chef Tetiana Potapko had prepared specially for the minister.
Highlands for Ukraine said: "They were declared delicious, not just by Ms Roddick but also by all the Ukrainians present who appreciated the taste of home."
