Highland Council Provides Support For Scottish Government's Hotel Accommodation Scheme For Ukrainians

9th June 2022

The Scottish Government has confirmed that a number of people from Ukraine are due to arrive in the Highlands today under their Hotel Accommodation Scheme for Ukrainian Displaced Persons.

The group, which will be supported by staff from The Highland Council and NHS Highland, will be staying temporarily at The Strathspey Hotel in Aviemore while The Scottish Government and COSLA progress their applications to transfer to longer-term accommodation.

The Council's Resettlement Team will be available at the hotel on a daily basis to ensure that clients settle in and are signposted to essential services. Support will also include practical advice and information on the surrounding area, access to interpretation services, linking with health colleagues regarding services available locally and providing families with details of the area and accommodation they have been matched with and assisting with ongoing transfer arrangements.

The Convener of The Highland Council and local Councillor Bill Lobban said: "I would like to thank our staff for their hard work in preparing to welcome individuals and families from the Ukraine. I am sure they will find their role both challenging and rewarding. The guests will only be staying in Aviemore for a short time, but we will make sure that they receive the necessary care and support while they are with us."

This temporary stay will allow individuals and families to recover from their journey while giving Local Authorities time to complete all their checks so host families can welcome their guests from Ukraine to their longer-term accommodation.

The support being provided by The Highland Council to the temporary guests will not impact on existing essential council housing and welfare services.

The guests will be staying on a full board basis and the cost of the accommodation is being directly funded by The Scottish Government.