Sixty Ukrainians fleeing the ongoing Russian invasion have been given sanctuary in Killin after arriving in Scotland last week.
The group – including families and children – have been put up at a hotel in the village as they are welcomed into the community.
In an update on the Killin Community Noticeboard Facebook page, Stirling Council said that the group arrived on Wednesday, July 20, via the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor resettlement scheme.
Under the scheme, Ukrainians don’t need to be matched with a household or group who has been approved to accommodate them before receiving permission to travel to the UK.
On arrival in Scotland, they stay in temporary accommodation and are then matched to sponsors following a raft of checks.
In the update, the council said that with the temporary accommodation reaching capacity, the Scottish Government has arranged additional accommodation for Ukrainian guests in various locations across the country, mostly in hotels, until they are then matched with a sponsor.
Council officers are working with staff at hotels to help the Ukrainian guests settle into their temporary surroundings and access key supports, including healthcare provision, interpreting services, English language lessons and employability support.
One of the Ukrainians to have arrived in Killin also took to the community Facebook page to introduce themselves to villagers.
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Ksenia Boyko posted: “We are happy to become a part of your wonderful community.
“Actually, due to your warm welcome, care and support we already feel that we are a part of your community.
“Everybody is impressed by the breathtaking views but even more by people ready to help us with everything, to make us feel like at home.
“We all want to convey the deep appreciation for clothing and footwear you provided, friendly conversations and support, treats and toys for our kids and happy smiles on their faces. We have everything that we need and would be happy to become good friends with you.
“In this small village, people with big hearts live.”
She later made a second post to reveal that she had found a sponsor in Edinburgh.
Some Ukrainians have also been temporarily given safe haven in Dunblane and are now seeking sponsors to come forward to provide a home for them.
Olena Savelo has arrived in the town with her 11-year-old son, Kiril and have also been put up in a hotel in the town.
She also took to the Stirlingshire Support for Ukraine Facebook to express her gratitude to the local community and to issue an appeal for a sponsor to come forward.
The 38-year-old posted: “We are looking for people who can provide us with housing.
“The new school year is approaching and we want my son to go to school, make new friends and get a little distracted from what is happening in his homeland.
“My son plays football and wants to continue his studies. I’m planning to look for a job.
“Unfortunately, when staying at the hotel, all this is not available to us.
“We are decent, clean, without bad habits. We love animals. Thank you for your time.”
Stirling Council’s Head of People and Community Wellbeing, Kate Hudson, said: “This is a humanitarian crisis and the council and Stirling’s communities are committed to ensuring the Ukrainian people are welcomed and supported after the trauma of fleeing conflict in their homeland. It’s the right thing to do.
“Council officers are working with key partners to meet the needs of the Ukrainian guests in Killin and we would like to reassure local residents that all necessary supports are in place and that we will continue to update them on the situation.
“Our communities have shown incredible generosity and kindness to Ukrainian families since this crisis began and I know that will be replicated by the people of Killin.
“For the Ukrainian people who are staying in Killin, hopefully this will be an opportunity for some space and respite as they await being matched with Sponsors in Scotland.
“As this unprecedented humanitarian effort continues, I would also like to thank our staff and those working in our partner agencies for their tireless efforts to support Ukrainian guests across Stirling under the various resettlement schemes.”
Dunblane Cathedral, along with other congregations in Dunblane, Stirling Council, Forth Valley Welcome and Babes in the Wood are seeking to support the refugees who are currently staying in the town.
They are seeking donations of items – including adult trainers and sliders – which can be handed in at the Cathedral Halls.
Dunblane Cathederal said: “Although we are providing a room in which people come and choose suitable clothes, please do not bring any adult clothes to the halls as we have no storage facilities.
“Clothing is currently being provided by Forth Valley Welcome. Specific items may be requested as required.
“Babes in the Wood is working closely with Forth Valley Welcome to provide clothes and other essentials for children.
“Ideally, donations of children’s clothing etc should be taken directly to Babes in the Wood, at Unit 32, Stirling Enterprise Park (next to LIDL in Stirling), 10am-5pm Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm Saturdays.
Anyone unable to deliver items to Babes in the Wood in Stirling may bring items to the Cathedral Halls, where we have a limited amount of storage space.”
They added: “Forth Valley Welcome update us on current needs, but to meet needs appropriately, donations of money to support refugees from any nation in our area will be most helpful.
“These can be donated online to Forth Valley Welcome at www.forthvalleywelcome.org or brought to the cathedral services and put in the offering plate, in envelopes clearly marked ‘Forth Valley Welcome’.”
