Hundreds of homes in Scotland are being offered to refugees fleeing the Russian war in Ukraine.
Kind-hearted people are giving up spare rooms, second homes and caravans in a massive humanitarian effort.
They’re matching themselves up with desperate Ukrainians on Facebook pages and newly set-up online support groups.
Hundreds of homes, spare rooms and caravan sites are listed on the Ukraine Take Shelter site right across Scotland.
One post in Fort William is even offering a job along with accommodation.
Another is making a “glamping cabin” in Argyll and Bute available.
Many of the offers of help have come from people who simply have a bit of space in their homes. One of them is Mags Gillan, from Tranent, East Lothian, who has spoken of her desperation to help the stricken families.
The 47-year-old, a full-time carer with the charity Enable, said: “I am happy to do what ever I can, though I wouldn’t be able to take any young children because I have a dog.
“However, I could take an older family, couple or individuals. It is a scary prospect for me in some ways as I have never done anything like this but it must be even more terrifying for people having to flee their country and leave everything behind.
“The Ukrainians must be worried about what has happened to their family, friends and neighbours.”
Mags lives on her own in a three-bed flat near the centre of Tranent and is sure Ukrainians will be made to feel welcome by the townsfolk.
She said the Government’s promise of £350 a month financial assistance will be welcome and will go towards providing food, gas and electricity.
She added: “Anything I get will go to the refugees. I’d do my best to make their stay is as pleasant as possible – but what do you tell someone who has lost everything?”
At least 3000 people are expected to flee to Scotland in a first wave, with many already here.
Landlord Mike Cooper told the Sunday Mail how he is donating five homes to refugees free of charge.
The 47-year-old is planning to make his two flats in Kirkcaldy, Fife, two houses in nearby Dalgety Bay and a holiday home in Edinburgh available for up to six months.
The dad of two had planned to sell one of the flats but has taken it off the market.
Mike, who lives in Dalgety Bay, has formed his own Facebook group called “Ukraine Refugee Furnished Holiday Let Accommodation UK” to promote the scheme.
He said: “There are a large number of properties lying empty across Scotland and they could be used to help people fleeing the war in Ukraine and the hellish conditions. It might be that some only need a place for a few weeks, others for longer.
“If the rules are relaxed, then more people will come forward offering their properties.”
He is proposing that landlords who lease properties as holiday lets could use gaps in their bookings to make them available to Ukrainian families who urgently need them.
Mike, who is registered with Edinburgh and Fife councils as a landlord, added: “One of my houses in Dalgety Bay is free from the beginning of next month and I have registered that with the Airbnb refugee scheme.
“There also needs to be a relaxation of enforcement action if rules are inadvertently broken so landlords are encouraged to make properties available for refugees. We need a more flexible system and we need action now.
“I know of properties which have an occupancy rate of less than 50 per cent so they could be freed up for Ukrainian families.”
The Scottish Government has vowed to provide 3000 Ukrainians with temporary accommodation until longer-term homes can be found.
About 8600 people in Scotland have signed up to help.
In a welcome message issued to refugees last night, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I want you to know you are now safe. You will be treated with care, dignity and respect for however long you stay.
“As we open our doors to you, we also open our hearts. We offer not just a refuge but a warm Scottish welcome and a nation of helping hands.”
UK Housing and Communities Secretary Michael Gove has said there will be no limit to how many Ukrainians can come to Britain.
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