First Syrian refugee baby born in the Outer Hebrides

Western Isles Council confirmed this week that a baby has been born to the first Syrian refugees to be sent to the Western Isles.

Two families, who are related and include young children, were re-settled in the Islands in July.

The baby girl was born last week at the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway.

A spokesman for Western Isles Council confirmed: “Mother and daughter are doing well.”

Since their arrival local volunteers have been helping the families settle into life in Stornoway.

The UK is welcoming the refugees under a program called Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (VPR).

There has been an indication that more families will be settled in the Islands in the future.

A report is due to go before the Comhairle’s policy and resources committee (in private) this week to update councillors on the current situation.

This article first appeared on the site of our sister title, The Stornoway Gazette.

•

’Like’ The Scotsman on Facebook for regular updates

DOWNLOAD THE SCOTSMAN APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY