Ukrainian refugees will be given a warm Scottish welcome when they arrive at two of the country’s major train stations.
Network Rail has introduced meeting points for those arriving at Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central after fleeing the war-torn country.
Dedicated staff members will be on hand to provide travel support at the meeting points between the hours of 8am and 6pm every day.
They will also direct those arriving towards assistance and resources available from local authorities and the Scottish Government.
Station workers will be there to assist refugees outside of those hours.
Train operators have also pledged to support Ukrainian arrivals by offering them free travel to their destination.
Ross Moran, Network Rail head of operations for Scotland, said: “We’ve all been shocked and saddened by the tragic circumstances that have driven ordinary people from their homes in Ukraine.
“The meeting points in our two busiest stations will provide those arriving with practical support and advice as they begin life in Scotland or prepare for the next leg of their journey.
“Scotland’s Railway is proud to welcome and support refugees and we stand ready to help in any way we can.”
The news comes a week after the Homes for Ukraine scheme opened in the UK.
Hundreds of kind-hearted Scots have already pledged to giving up their spare rooms, second homes and caravans as part of the massive humanitarian effort to help Ukrainian’s seeking refuge.
The scheme also sees participants given a payment of £350 a month as a ‘thank you’ for providing crucial assistance.
Last week it was announced that the Scottish Government would become a ‘super sponsor’ for Ukrainian refugees, which removes the need for applicants to be matched to a named individual before they are cleared to travel to the UK through the visa system.
Speaking on the scheme, Nicola Sturgeon said: “Our distinct offer for a warm Scottish welcome to the displaced people of Ukraine is now open, as part of the UK’s Homes for Ukraine.
“We intend to fully harness the thousands of individual offers from people in Scotland willing to provide Ukrainians with a home. And I encourage those who want to help to express an interest on the Homes for Ukraine portal.
“We still believe visas should have been waived for those fleeing the appalling and illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, but we established this Scottish scheme, embedded within the UK system, to provide help right now to those who need it.
“Our programme will allow significant numbers of people fleeing Ukraine to come to Scotland immediately, and will be able to come to Scotland for safety and sanctuary first.
“To those Ukrainians arriving in our country, I can say we will treat you with compassion, dignity and respect, and I extend a warm welcome to Scotland, our home – and, for as long as you need it, yours too.”
