SNP MSP: HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS NEED MORE GUIDANCE ON AIDING UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick questioned the Scottish Government in chamber on how it will ensure Ukrainian refugees moving into areas with little or no existing refugee communities will be supported.

She acknowledged the efforts of many constituents who have already opened their homes, meaning some individuals and families have already moved into the region.

She said:

“I’ve been beyond delighted to see people from across the Highlands and Islands open their homes to Ukrainian refugees, in a wonderful display of the Highland hospitality we pride ourselves on.

“This has, however, resulted in a number of particular challenges to these displaced Ukrainians in the Highlands and Islands. We have many areas that have not got an existing refugee community and, therefore, lack the associated community support networks. In these circumstances, local public services and volunteer groups need substantial information and assistance from central government.

“I was delighted to hear from the Minister with responsibility for Ukrainian Refugees, Neil Gray, that the Scottish Government is aware of the importance of this issue and that our resettlement teams across all 32 local authorities of Scotland continue to work to aid the relocation of displaced Ukrainians.”