More than 1,300 Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed in Edinburgh since fleeing the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The Welcome Hub, set up by the City of Edinburgh Council near the airport, offers some respite after long and difficult journeys reaching the city, with medical assistance from NHS Lothian available.
Established with the support of partner agencies in Gogarburn at the RBS/NatWest campus, it involves a huge, combined effort - from both volunteers and Council officers - to welcome around 40 new refugees a day, which is approximately four times that of the national average.
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Last month, Edinburgh Live reported how the council were building a huge marquee to add to the welcome hub.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, said that around 90% of refugees coming to Scotland were entering through Edinburgh's Welcome Hub.
He also added that the progress made so far in ensuring the safe arrival of refugees and assisting them with living arrangements and supplies would not have been possible without volunteers, local donations and council colleagues.
Andrew Kerr said: "I am truly proud of the incredible response Edinburgh has provided to Ukrainians seeking sanctuary here in Edinburgh.
"The support we’ve provided to over 1,300 refugees to date wouldn’t be possible without the time of volunteers, the donations we’ve received or the generosity of residents. The number of local people giving over their hearts and their homes to become host families has been nothing short of remarkable. I want to thank everyone involved – from Council colleagues and partners, to every volunteer who has been working tirelessly."
Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, the Holova (Chair) of the Association of Ukrainians in Edinburgh, said: "We have come full circle from the Association being set up. We were beginning to become quite a quiet community here in Edinburgh, but now we are using the community centre for the reasons that our fathers set it up. We are supporting newly-arrived Ukrainians and their families in Edinburgh, until they choose to go home.
"We've been giving out SIM cards and bus passes. We've also got laptops and iPads so that the students who have arrived can continue their studies and stay connected to Ukraine.
"Edinburgh has been amazing. I can't say anything other than that."
The council is also arranging places in local schools for pupils of all age groups, with many children already supported into education.
Dnipro Kids, the charity run by Hibs supporters, that helped bring over 50 refugees to the city, has also been providing support, including education and health.
