Castle Douglas is leading the way in supporting Ukrainian refugees who have fled war in their country.
The Douglas Arms Hotel has been designated as a welcome hub to provide a temporary home for families.
The property is one of several in the region earmarked as short-stay accommodation by the Scottish Government.
The Ukrainians will stay in the hotel until they are matched with a private host, social or private accommodation.
The building has been undergoing a massive makeover since new owners Payman Club acquired the property last year. Payman’s officer on site, Tahirih Danesh, is in charge of ensuring the refugees feel secure and welcome.
And local women Philippa Howie and Lana Martin are among the team members tasked with helping new arrivals to settle in.
Lana said: “This is such an important thing to do – I have always thought about these people and how I can help.
“Now that I can it brings tears to my eyes.
“It’s so important they get all the support they need after what they have been through.
“This is a lovely area and the guests are saying that they feel so welcome here.
“Folk have been brilliant – there have been so many donations and they are so happy to help.
“There’s been a great response from local businesses and restaurants offering deals to go in and eat.”
Many Ukrainian families and individuals have already arrived as guests.
Several were enjoying breakfast in little groups yesterday while others were making themselves familiar with the town.
Tahirih, herself a teenage refugee from the 1979 Iranian revolution, said: “The people feel very grateful and hopeful for the future – those are my two key impressions.
“I think it’s particularly important for businesses like ours to offer these opportunities.
“Lodging in people’s homes can be wonderful but there may be a range of challenges there.
“When you have been through trauma you need privacy to digest what you have been through. In a hotel you can have that privacy or community if you choose.”
Human rights specialist Tahirih, who has worked in often horrifying conflicts from Sri Lanka to the Middle East, added: “The whole hotel is at our Ukrainian guests’ disposal.
“We are being led by the Scottish Government and council authorities as to how this facility can serve their purposes.
“They are in charge of the entire project.”
The Dumfries and Galloway Resettlement Team is co-ordinating efforts to support welcome hub guests on arrival.
Assistance includes help with required registrations, permits, English classes, travel and employment.
Partners include the council, health board, Police Scotland and registered social landlords.
Specialist third sector organisations MOOL (Massive Outpouring of Love) and the Dumfries and Galloway Multicultural Association and Inter Faith group are also board members.
The team has operated since 2015 with key principles being respect for guests’ privacy and security and for them to be as independent as they can as quickly as they can.
Liz Manson, head of the Dumfries and Galloway Resettlement Project Board, said: “Local businesses and people have been very supportive of this programme of work.
“They are keen to welcome the guests which is great to see.”
The first online briefing for partners took place yesterday.
