Highland Council prepares for third group of refugees

The Highland Council is working with COSLA and community planning partners to plan and prepare to welcome a third group of Syrian refugees to the Highlands. 

The Council has agreed with COSLA to take up to 25 - 30 families, over the period of the national re-settlement programme subject to the confirmation of available housing, health services and education provision.

Regular meetings are taking place with NHS Highland, Police Scotland, Highland Third Sector Partnership and the Department for Work and Pensions to discuss issues including accommodation, employment, education and health.

Highland Council Leader, Cllr Margaret Davidson said: “Highland has already welcomed nine families into our region – four in Lochaber earlier this year and 5 in Alness in 2016. We are continuing our commitment to help resettle more refugees from Syria and are working closely with our key partners to ensure that we are in the best position possible to ensure a smooth transition for families when they arrive.”

She added, “We expect to receive the third group of refugees within the next few months and we are doing everything that we can to be ready to support them adjust to their new lives in the Highlands.”

Stakeholders and members of the community in Ross-shire are invited to come along to a community engagement event at Ross County Football Club on Wednesday 1 November at 6pm to hear more about how the Highlands are preparing to welcome more refugees and how people can help.