HOME DELIGHT FOR REFUGEES

Cold weather can’t spoil warm Rutherglen welcome

The first Syrian refugees to be housed by South Lanarkshire Council have been placed in Rutherglen, the Reformer can reveal.

Two families comprising nine people arrived in the Burgh last Wednesday and are believed to be settling in well to their new

surroundings. Both groups have come from refugee camps in Lebanon.

They include four adults and five children, all under the age of 10.

The children are expected to start school in the new year while support workers have already taken steps to integrate the adults into Rutherglen society.

A council spokesperson said: “They have settled in really well so far.

“They are full of questions, very inquisitive and keen to learn about living here in Scotland.

“They have expressed their overriding feeling of relief and are very happy to be here.

“They have told council workers they feel safe and secure in their new home, and that’s not a feeling they have had for quite some time.”

The refugees have been working with support workers and an interpreter since arriving in Scotland, and have already registered with a local GP.

The families have visited local shops as they attempt to establish themselves.

However, the Scottish weather has already taken its toll as the spokesperson explained: “Some of the children already have colds.

“When they arrived the weather was foul. Despite that, the kids are still happy to be here.

“They had some toys donated so they had something to play with, and that’s something they may not have had in Lebanon.

“The adults say they are very keen to get to know people and for the their children to start school.”

The spokesperson added: “The council has been inundated with offers of assistance and donations from residents.

“We’ve had offers of clothing, household items.

“There have also been offers from people who want to befriend and assist them and we’re looking at that.”

They feel safe and secure in their new homes