The Scottish Government has confirmed that a number of people from Ukraine are due to arrive in the Highlands today as part of their hotel accommodation scheme for displaced Ukrainians.

The group, which will be supported by Highland Council and NHS Highland staff, will temporarily stay at the Strathspey Hotel in Aviemore while the Scottish Government and COSLA progress their applications for a move to longer-term accommodation.

The Council’s relocation team will be available daily at the hotel to ensure that clients settle in and are referred to essential services. Support will also include practical advice and information about the surrounding area, access to interpretation services, connecting with healthcare colleagues about locally available services and providing families with details about the area. and accommodation they have been matched with and assistance with ongoing transfer arrangements.

Highland Council organizer and local councilor Bill Lobban said: “I want to thank our staff for their hard work in preparing to welcome people and families from Ukraine. I am sure they will find their role both challenging and rewarding. Guests will only be staying at Aviemore for a short time, but we will ensure that they receive the necessary care and support while they are with us.

This temporary stay will allow individuals and families to recover from their trip while giving local authorities time to complete all their checks so that host families can welcome their guests from Ukraine into their longer-term accommodation.

The support provided by Highland Council to temporary guests will not affect existing social housing and essential social services.

Guests will stay on a full board basis and the cost of accommodation is directly funded by the Scottish Government.