A show of solidarity for Ukrainian people was heartfelt across Dumfries and Galloway on Wednesday.
Ukrainian flags were flown on civic buildings in Dumfries, Annan, Kirkcudbright and Stranraer and the main council offices were lit up blue and yellow.
Homes across the region also displayed their support via their windows or through social media messages.
A new Ukrainian café at The Crichton opened for anyone to enjoy their menu of British and Ukrainian dishes, which were also on the menu at local hotels and homes which have taken in refugee families.
Usually, August 24 is celebrated as Ukrainian Independence Day with national food, costume and dancing a tradition, but this year it also marks six months since the Russian invasion which has both killed and displaced many.
Dumfries and Galloway has welcomed in many Ukrainian families who are carving out a new life in towns and villages as the fight continues in their home country.
This has been made possible by the local partners in the Dumfries and Galloway Community Planning Partnership which has led the region’s response and has been supporting resettlement schemes since 2015 for Syrian, Afghanistanis, now Ukrainians.
Councillor Stephen Thompson, a co-chairman of the community planning partnership board, said: “The response from local people and the Scottish Government has been amazing and demonstrates the compassion that our country has for people facing a humanitarian crisis.
“Over 250 private hosts and sponsors in our region have offered accommodation, and we know that guests who have already arrived here have experienced a warm welcome and are enjoying Dumfries and Galloway with all it has to offer.”
Hundreds of people have now been offered accommodation in the region through the UK Government Homes for Ukraine Scheme and the Scottish Government Super Sponsor Scheme with some social landlord properties and some private rentals also taken up.
In addition, the Scottish Government has arranged a small number of welcome hubs”in the region in the form of hotel accommodation where Ukrainian guests stay on a temporary basis until they are matched with a private host, social or private accommodation.
The Dumfries and Galloway resettlement team is made up of council, health board, Police Scotland, registered social landlords and specialist third sector organisation MOOL (Massive Outpouring of Love), and the Dumfries and Galloway Multicultural Association and Inter Faith group.
Nick Morris, chairman of NHS D&G and vice chairman of the community planning partnership, said: “More than 20 partners have all come together to make the guests feel welcome and support the private hosts/sponsors.
“Different agencies have brought their professional skills into play and a whole team of volunteers are ensuring that the arrival of the guests and their health and wellbeing is as good as it can be, despite difficult circumstances. Partnership working at its very best.”
Councillor Linda Dorward, a co-chairman of the community planning partnership board, added: “We are expecting to have more than 600 Ukrainian guests living in this area for some time – from Stranraer to Langholm and Kirkconnel to Gretna. We have been extremely impressed by their determination to seek employment, improve their English, integrate and positively impact on our communities.
