The MSP for Stirling, Evelyn Tweed, has reassured people in Killin that the Scottish Government is acting quickly to resettle Ukrainian Refugees after they were informed they’d be moving on earlier than expected.
Earlier this week Ukrainian Refugees staying at a hotel in Killin received notice that they would be moving onto new accommodation in Stirling on the 18th November, four months earlier than originally thought.
SNP MSP for Stirling Evelyn Tweed said; “This week I have had a number of discussions with Neil Gray MSP, Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine, and I can confirm that The Scottish Government will work with Ukrainians staying at the Killin Hotel to ensure the best solution for them.
“It’s understood that many of the people staying at Killin wanted to move to a more central location with increased access to amenities and employment, such as the city of Stirling where many of them will be able to move to on the 18th November. However some of these Ukrainians have made brilliant connections and put down roots in Killin and expressed their desire to stay in the village, and so we are of course going to work with these refugees to see if we can find long term sustainable accommodation in the village.
“The priority is to make sure these Ukrainian Refugees are looked after and respected, having come from such difficult circumstances. Communication and engagement with community groups is so important for local matters like this. I would encourage everyone involved in this to work on strengthening their communication with the local residents, Ukrainians and community council going forwards, so that we can all work towards giving people the certainty and security they deserve at every stage.”
David Fettes, Vice Chair of Killin Community Council said; “It’s great that we’ve been listened to by the Scottish Government and they’ve acted quickly so that the Ukrainians, who have become a really integral part of our community since they arrived, will now have some confidence about where they will be staying.
“Many of these Ukrainian Refugees have become active members of our community, taking up jobs in local businesses and care homes or volunteering in local projects. The Ukrainian children have integrated into the schools with the local kids – some of whom are now even learning to speak Ukrainian. We want these people to feel welcome and looked after, they’ve become our friends and neighbours.
“Moving forward we would really welcome the engagement between Stirling Council and the local community being strengthened so that everybody knows what’s going on and feels involved throughout the process of welcoming refugees into our community.”