Syrian Refugees Expected To Arrive In The Highlands Next Year
Up to 30 Syrian families could be coming to the Highlands.
Up to 30 Syrian families could be coming to the Highlands.
That's the number the local authority has agreed to help as thousands of refugees arrive in Scotland.
Assistance will be coordinated by NHS Highland, Police Scotland, Highland Third Sector Partnership and the Department of Work and Pensions who will organise accommodation, employment, education and health service.
Leader of the Council, Margaret Davidson said: “Highland Council remains committed to playing its part in helping refugees from Syria. We are continuing to work with our key partners to ensure that we are in the best position possible to ensure a smooth transition for refugee families when they arrive.
“We are unlikely to receive the first refugees until early in the New Year and they will certainly need support in adjusting to a new life, a new culture and our Highland winter.”
She added: “Many people from across the Highlands are very worried about the terrible situation in and around Syria and are naturally anxious to do what they can. It is a complex and difficult issue. However, the most effective way of helping refugees in the immediate term is to donate money to support charities, such as Blythswood and the British Red Cross, who provide help on the ground. It is more cost effective to give money, as food and other essential supplies can be bought where the refugees are located.”
Meanwhile, Moray Council has made two vacant business units available to a local group set up to co-ordinate Moray’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis.
The units on one of Elgin’s industrial estates will be a handling centre for the thousands of items donated to Moray Supports Refugees by local people and businesses.
The council has also put one of its vehicles at the group’s disposal to help with the collection and distribution of donated items which so far have included clothing, footwear and sleeping bags.
Four volunteers are undergoing training to allow them to drive the van.
Moray Council leader Councillor Stewart Cree said: “The immediate needs of the thousands of refugees fleeing their homeland continue to be the focus of the huge international relief effort – and understandably so.
“However, it is equally important that when they are finally resettled – wherever that might be – arrangements are in place to enable them to integrate into their new surroundings.
“They will arrive with little or no possessions and will require the everyday household items that we take for granted.”
Councillor Cree added: “The council has made these two units available to help the local volunteers deal with the practicalities of collecting, sorting and distributing the huge volume and variety of items that the people of Moray are donating to the refugees’ cause.”