First Syrian refugees arrive in Western Isles

Stornoway - image credit: Andrew Bennett via Flickr

The first Syrian refugees to be resettled in the Outer Hebrides under a UK Government-funded scheme have arrived in Stornoway.

There are two families, eight people including children, who are settling into their accommodation and they will be offered an intensive course of English language classes in the first few weeks.

The scheme was set up in response to the war in Syria, with the UK Government agreeing to resettle 20,000 Syrians in the UK and the Scottish Government pledging to house 4,000.

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Local authorities throughout Scotland have committed to providing aid in response to the humanitarian crisis.

The families receive the same support as other homeless households who require accommodation, with the Home Office providing funding to cover key costs.

Volunteers have registered on a website set up to allow the public to offer assistance, with offers of befriending services, help with language and donations of household items.

Angus Campbell, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and chair of the Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership (OHCPP), said: “The various agencies, community organisations and volunteers are currently working to give the families the basic support and space that they need to re-adjust to family life here in the Hebrides.

“I am heartened to hear that a welcoming response from our community has already been appreciated by the families.

“We are already a diverse community and whilst we can offer much to people moving here, we can also learn from others and increase the richness of our society.

“I think that communities in Scotland generally and particularly in the Outer Hebrides, have an understanding of why people sometimes have to leave their homes and everything they know in order to start a new life elsewhere.”