Over the last five years, the Aberdeenshire Council’s refugee resettlement team has helped families from Syria, Iraq and now Afghanistan who have fled unimaginable conflicts and wars. They have found safety and peace in towns and villages across Aberdeenshire.

Most arrived with serious medical problems or disabilities and lives have been saved by having the medical support they need.

When the programme started the team was nervous that Aberdeenshire may not be the right place for resettlement, but they should not have worried. The team has been astounded by how quickly families became part of their new communities, joining sports clubs, making school friends and working and volunteering in their communities.

Young people who had never been to school in Syria are now in university, new family business have sprung up and children in particular have thrived in school.Funding for resettlement comes from the Home Office. In recognition of the pressures on social housing in Aberdeenshire, private accommodation or low-demand housing is sourced for families.

When they first arrive, they are given help with every day challenges and complex situations. Some families become independent and self-reliant very quickly but for others it may take a little bit longer – for instance older couples or families with young children. Language can be a challenge but everyone eagerly attends language classes and college … and Doric skills develop quickly.

The families are also supported by volunteers including Friends of Al-Amal Project, who run informal social activities, conversation cafes and coordinate donations.

When a new Scot family arrives in Aberdeenshire, they always ask if people want them to be in Scotland, will they be welcomed or not wanted? The team members explain that people have a range of views (mostly on social media) but we reassure them and tell them that the Syrian community always say “in Aberdeenshire the weather is cold but the people are always warm”.

If you would like more information on refugee resettlement, email refugeeresettlementteam@aberdeenshire.gov.uk