Two families from Ukraine finally arrived in Highland Perthshire after a month-long campaign to get them to Scotland.
Four weeks after the launch of a scheme to make it possible for UK host families to take in people from Ukraine - and delays caused by visa red tape - two groups flew in and were transferred to the town of Aberfeldy.
Tetiana and her young son are originally from Kiev. They met their sponsor and host Linda Cracknell who welcomed them into her home. The mum and son arrived by plane from Warsaw on Thursday, April 14 and the next day explored the walk around the Aberfeldy Golf Course.
The ‘match’ was organised by the group Highland Perthshire Welcomes Ukraine (HPWU) which has established a complex network of volunteers assisting with selecting candidates to come to the UK, completing paperwork and arranging flights and transport.
The second arrivals to Aberfeldy on Thursday were Natalia and her son.
The family, who had to flee home in Uzhhorod, came on a flight from Budapest and have been taken in by Mike Ruiter and his partner Clare Holland.
.Mike has been central to running the administrative side of HPWU, leading the visa team set up by the Schiehallion Hotel.
Mike, who is head of field operations for animal charity SSPCA, told the PA that it was getting desperate for people awaiting a move to Scotland.
“Some six weeks since leaving their homes, the majority of individuals are out of money and several have had to leave temporary lodgings. The granting of more UK visas can’t come quick enough,” he said.
Aberfeldy is creating a blueprint for the absorption of refugees from Ukraine.
“Our vision is to provide safe homes and a strong support network for refugee families in Highland Perthshire,” explained a HPWU group spokesperson.
“We hope to encourage Ukrainian nationals to build a community here, by providing access to job opportunities, and helping with transition to and information about the area, including support for children and adults.”
More visas have been approved and this week more families are due to arrive in Aberfeldy and surrounding settlements.
Last week the hosts gathered for a picture in The Square holding Ukrainian flags. They wished to show their unity in welcoming refugees - despite encountering huge waits for the paperwork allowing the families to travel being agreed.
Perthshire politicians Murdo Fraser MSP and Pete Wishart MP have both met HPWU and “recognised the challenges” promising help.
Anticipating a large influx, a big effort has been taking place in Aberfeldy acquiring all the things that the families will need.
“The reality is people are arriving with very few possessions so it is great we have our support packages team on hand to provide boxes of starter packs of various essentials,” said Muriel Dunbar, who is tasked with making up welcome packs.
“We’ve put together around 30 packs to be given to the 60 or so local hosts so we have everything that is needed for each individual family to settle in well.
“We are very lucky to have been donated lots of children’s clothes.
“HPWU is also providing £200 clothing vouchers for the independent shop Doigs in Aberfeldy which is providing fantastic discounts for Ukrainian nationals.”
A Go Fund Me page for the hosting initiative has so far raised £2200, which is taking further donations at https://gofund.me/a75c604f
