'Where better to pick up the pieces of your life again?': Golspie opens its heart to Ukrainian refugees
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An East Sutherland community is preparing to open its doors and hearts to refugees from the war in Ukraine.
The peaceful, seaside village of Golspie, which has around 1300 residents, is set to register as a community with the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
A number of householders in the village have already indicated their willingness to make accommodation available to Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their homes and flee after the Russian invasion of their country.
The move comes following discussion about the desperate situation the Ukrainian people are facing at a meeting of Golspie Community Council on Monday evening.
Secretary Henrietta Marriott said: “Golspie is an incredibly welcoming place and where better to try and pick up the pieces of your life again than in these beautiful surroundings.”
The Britain’s Homes for Ukraine initiative was launched this week by the UK Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The scheme is aimed at allowing individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to offer a room or home rent-free to Ukrainians escaping the war, regardless of whether they have ties to the country.
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, described it as a “national effort” on behalf of those in need. A website has been launched to gather expressions of interest from potential hosts.
At Monday night’s meeting, Golspie Community Council chairman Ian Sutherland, a former police officer, suggested that a community registration be made.
He said: “I am sure there are towns and villages all across Ukraine where community councils meet and I would just like to say what an appalling tragedy this is for Europe.
“I never thought, and I am sure you did not, I would see such a great attack on democracy and I just hope it does not escalate. Pray to whatever God you worship that it does not.”
He went on to say: “You can register as a community group to offer support to Ukrainian refugees. We are just at the start of this - there could be a tidal wave (of refugees).”
Secretary Henrietta Marriott and community councillor Becky Shaw immediately voiced their support for a community registration and said they had both tried as individuals to register on the government website but found it tricky.
Mrs Marriott said: “We have just managed to do it as individuals through the UK Government site but it does say that you can do it as a community group and I think that as a community it would be a lovely thing to do.”
Mrs Shaw said: “I think that this would be a really good thing and I would totally support it. I have tried to do it as an individual but it is quite tricky as you have to have a named person.
“Before we could register we have to know how many properties or bedrooms would be available. Would you all be happy if we put something on Facebook to ask anyone interested to get in touch?
“We cannot register until we have an idea of how many houses.”
Mrs Shaw later told the Northern Times: “In 24 hours, we’ve had seven offers of accommodation for refugees (suitable for up to 20 people potentially) in the village, so we’ll register with the scheme on that basis at the moment.
“More offers might come in as people read about the scheme and decide whether it is something they are able to help with.
“Quite a number of these local families have also registered with the scheme as individuals.
“Being able to offer to accommodate a group of friends or extended families within the village could mean better help, support and services for any refugees who do want to come here.”
Mrs Shaw said that she wanted to mention the “fantastic work” done over many years by the voluntary group the Highlands Support Refugees.
“Their efforts to support displaced people all over Europe and the Middle East, with huge support from Highland communities, is genuinely awe-inspiring,” she said.
“Over four days last weekend, hundreds of helpers sorted and packed 850 boxes of clothes, blankets and essentials, which will be shipped to wherever they are needed."
The chairwoman of the Highlands Support Refugees is Hannah Sutherland, daughter of East Sutherland resident William Sutherland, who formerly served with the Sutherland Partnership.
