Worries over their future in Scottish limbo
Refugees from Ukraine brought to Glasgow under a Scottish Government scheme say they are uncertain about their future – just weeks after arriving.
Many are yet to be placed in permanent accommodation and are waiting it out in hotels across the country.
More than 250 Ukrainian refugees are living at a Holiday Inn Express near Glasgow airport and are unsure where they are going to end up.
Some say they have been given homes, while others have been placed with Scots families. But the majority remain in hotels.
Natalie Yareshko, 29, who fled Vasilkyv in the Kiev region, said: “We were at hotels in Glasgow city centre then moved to the Radisson Blu. We stayed there for three days but were moved to Novotel. where we’ve been told we will stay until September.”
The refugees said they are “extremely grateful” for the warm welcome they have received and have been enjoying day trips to help them explore the country.
Sergiy Gorbachev, who arrived four weeks ago from Odesa, in southern
Ukraine, said: “There were about 200 refugees staying at this hotel then about 50 arrived last week.
Some have been put up in homes with Scottish people and others have been moved to flats.
“When I arrived at first, I felt a bit lost. Then I got to experience the warm and welcoming attitude of the Scottish people.
“We weren’t sure about things initially as we are based at a hotel by the airport with not much around about. We don’t want to just stay in hotel rooms.
“But the conditions are good. There have been tours to Loch Lomond and activities put on for kids.
“I’ve been to Glasgow city centre and people came up to me to ask where I was from.
“When I told them, ‘Ukraine’, they shook my hand and said we are welcome here. Everyone is doing their best.”
Sergiy, 51, a former wine waiter, added: “What was happening at home was horrible.
“We had to leave our homes with just a suitcase. It’s amazing that Scotland has offered us refuge.
“We haven’t been told where we’re going next and haven’t been told anything about a ship. But if that is where we’re going to go I’m sure it will be very comfortable.”
Dmytro Buhaiov, 22, is a former factory worker from Odesa, has been staying at the Holiday Inn for seven weeks.
He said: “We are so grateful to Scotland for the love and support.”