Ukrainian refugees settled and living in Killin who were fearing being re-located are to be given the choice to remain in the village.
Last week, it was reported that the Scottish Government had cancelled a contract at the Killin Hotel, where around 60 Ukrainian nationals have been living after fleeing the Russian invasion.
That meant they were left anxious that they would be uprooted and moved to accommodation elsewhere.
However, the Scottish Government has now revealed that any of those living at the hotel can remain in Killin, if they choose to do so.
Minister with special responsibility for refugees from Ukraine, Neil Gray, this week said that the people potentially impacted by the decision will now be given the choice.
Mr Gray said: “We want displaced people from Ukraine to integrate and thrive in communities for as long as they choose to stay here and the Scottish Government regularly reviews the temporary accommodation estate on offer to ensure we are providing the best support we can.
“We want to be able to provide a choice and we understand that the majority of the displaced people staying in Killin wanted to move to a more central location with access to increased amenities and employment and by offering accommodation in Stirling we are doing just that.
“However we also recognise that some people want to stay in Killin, especially those in employment or with children settled at school.
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“We will work with the local authority and the people in Killin to help them stay in the area whilst we support them to find long term sustainable accommodation.”
A Stirling Council spokesperson this week said that it will continue to offer support to the Ukrainian guests in Killin and across the wider council area. They added: “The Killin Hotel was booked by the Scottish Government to support the Super Sponsor Scheme and it is the Government’s decision to end this contract. The council’s role in the Super Sponsor Scheme is to provide wraparound support, and to match or relocate guests from hotel accommodation, thereby continually reducing the overall number of people staying in temporary accommodation.
“We have delivered this support since May 2022 and have provided ongoing opportunities for guests to discuss and explore matching arrangements with potential sponsors, and housing options specific to the needs of guests.
“Following the Government’s decision to end the contract at the Killin Hotel, some guests will be supported to move to another hotel, while we retain our long-held hope of matching others with sponsors in the Stirling area, or supporting them into privately rented accommodation.
“Guests continue to receive access to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision, employability support, welfare and benefits advice, and a host of other bespoke provision, as determined by their individual needs.
“Stirling Council has provided assurances to guests and the local community in Killin that we will be working with them to identify the best possible relocation option, recognising employment ambitions, and their family’s education needs, as part of those discussions.
“We have shared information, via community council members, on how local people may still register to be a sponsor, which may provide a practical option for those guests who wish to stay in Killin, for a six-month period.
“For all Ukrainian guests, Stirling Council will continue to provide wraparound support to make the process of any relocation as smooth as possible.”
In July this year, we told how 60 Ukrainians – including families and children – had arrived at the hotel and were being embraced by the local community there.
Killin Community Council last week wrote to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon raising their concerns over the cancelled contract at Killin Hotel.
Following the news that the guests are now to be given the choice, community council vice chairman, David Fettes, said; “Its great that we’ve been listened to by the Scottish Government and they’ve acted quickly so that the Ukrainians, whom have become a really integral part of our community since they arrived, will now have some confidence about where they will be staying.
“Many of these Ukrainian refugees have become active members of our community, taking up jobs in local businesses and care homes or volunteering in local projects.
“The Ukrainian children have integrated into the schools with the local kids – some of whom are now even learning to speak Ukrainian.
“We want these people to feel welcome and looked after, they’ve become our friends and neighbours.
“Moving forward we would really welcome better engagement between Stirling Council and the local community so that everybody knows what’s going on and feels involved throughout the process of welcoming refugees into our community.”
Stirling’s political figures have spoken out in support of the Killin nationals currently living at the Killin Hotel.
Stirling SNP MSP Evelyn Tweed said she had held a number of discussions with Neil Gray MSP, Minister with special responsibility for refugees from Ukraine, over the situation.
She said: “It’s understood that many of the people staying at Killin wanted to move to a more central location with increased access to amenities and employment, such as the city of Stirling where many of them will be able to move to on the 18th November.
However some of these Ukrainians have made brilliant connections and put down roots in Killin and expressed their desire to stay in the village, and so we are of course going to work with these refugees to see if we can find long term sustainable accommodation in the village.
“The priority is to make sure these Ukrainian refugees are looked after and respected, having come from such difficult circumstances.
“Communication and engagement with community groups is so important for local matters like this.
“I would encourage everyone involved in this to work on strengthening their communication with the local residents, Ukrainians and community council going forwards, so that we can all work towards giving people the certainty and security they deserve at every stage.”
Mid Scotland and Fife Green MSP, Mark Ruskell had previously called for”urgent reassurances” over the situation.
He this week said: “Over the past year, communities across Stirling have welcomed displaced Ukrainians with open arms. In places like Killin, families fleeing the unimaginable horrors of war have found safety, security and respite.”
He said that it was “deeply worrying” that the Ukrainian residents at the hotel faced uncertainty once again.
He added: “Of course, we agree that hotel accommodation should is not appropriate for long-term stays, and steps to support displaced Ukrainians into permanent, settled housing are incredibly welcome.
“However, this process must be managed carefully, and most crucially our Ukrainian friends must be empowered to choose the housing situation that works best for them and their families.”
Stirling SNP MP Alyn Smith said that “communication of this move could have been better”, but he added: “It’s important to stress that the Scottish Government is acting based on the feedback and experiences of our Ukrainian guests.
“Access to further amenities, employment opportunities and public/support services are all vital, and officials are working with the Ukrainians staying at the Killin Hotel to find the best solutions possible.”
He added: “I’m extremely proud of the immense generosity, kindness and support the Killin community have offered, opening both their doors and hearts to the people of Ukraine in their time of need.
“They’ve demonstrated the very best of Stirling.”
