Five Syrian families set to arrive in Angus before Christmas

Five families who have fled wartorn Syria are expected to arrive in Angus before Christmas, seeking refuge.

A family of Syrian refugees cry and comfort each other after a rough and scary crossing from Turkey.

The UK and Scottish governments pledged to help those worst affected by the global refugee crisis.

Councils across Scotland and the UK, and many other organisations, support this effort and will help provide asylum to 20,000 refugees over the next five years, around 2,000 of whom will arrive in Scotland during that time.

Angus Council expects to welcome five Syrian families before Christmas.

Although this nation-wide help was announced a short time ago, there has been a great deal of planning to ensure the safety and welfare of everyone, the refugees and the local communities they are joining.

Angus Council Provost, Councillor Helen Oswald said; “The refugees are some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

“They are victims of war in their homeland and have been displaced from their own country.

“Many have suffered physical and mental trauma, as well as bereavement, and been exposed to the horrors of war, some have been subjected to torture.”

The refugees come from camps under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme following rigorous assessment and thorough security checks by both the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) and the UK Government.

Councillor Oswald added: “We have worked with the UK and Scottish Governments, and with our neighbouring authorities, to ensure that the right preparations are being put in place to accommodate and support the refugees in a way that meets their needs and the needs of our communities.

“The community has already done a great deal to help the Syrian refugees abroad.

“We believe we have the support of our community in helping them in their time of great need.

The Provost concluded: “We hope our refugees are able to settle in their new homes, with the right support from the local authority and its partners and importantly, the wider community.”

This story originally appeared in our sister title the Forfar Dispatch.