World Refugee Day brings hope to Aberdeen
This years celebrations want to bring communities together
This World Refugee Day, Aberdeen is hoping to bring communities together as the number of people fleeing their homes has hit a record high.
Events such as 'What Makes me feel Welcome in Aberdeen' will be taking place across the city to bring communities together as part of the Refugee Festival.
Theresa Roper lives in Sauchen, and welcomed a family of refugees from Ukraine into her home in February.
She said: "Having seen the situation for the people following the invasion we just wanted to help and so spare accommodation had just become available."
"We contacted two agencies, the local Aberdeenshire Council and also a refugee charity based in Glasgow."
Despite what she expected, it took over a year from their first application for them to be paired with a family.
"The refugees have now been with us since February. I wasn't surprised that they would be here for at least four months and I wouldn't be surprised if they're still here after a year at least."
The most recent conflict in Ukraine and Sudan has seen the drastic rise in refugees across the world, with the UN reporting around 110 million people currently displaced due to violence.
Ms Roper said: "In ways they are exactly like us, the culture is very similar but it is very difficult for them to be separated from their families and I know they spend a lot of time worrying about those left behind, friends and relatives.
"They have settled in fairly well and they certainly find Scotland a beautiful country to live in.
"It is difficult for the adults to learn a completely different language. If you could imagine gong to Ukraine and trying to learn Ukrainian within a few months, it would be difficult."
The theme for this years celebration is hope, and Theresa wants to share this with her refugees.
"We have been very fortunate to have lived in this country and have a fairly good quality of life and I think its good to share the good luck around."