Stirling becomes home from home for Ukrainians as country marks anniversary of invasion

dailyrecord.co.uk:

It’s a grim milestone for many new arrivals making their home in Stirling as today marks one year on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.The invasion, which kicked off on February 24 2022, forced thousands of Ukrainians to flee their homes to temporary homes all over Europe – including to Scotland.Stirling has stepped up to the plate in accepting its share of Ukrainian refugees in that time - more than 350 at the last count - with many popping up throughout the region from living and working in the city centre to enjoy new lives in Stirling’s rural beauty spots.The latest figures from the UK Government for their Homes for Ukraine scheme up to February 23 have revealed that a total of 168 visa applications for Ukrainians living in Stirling have been agreed.Meanwhile, a recent council meeting heard there are currently 149 Ukrainian guests staying with sponsoring households – including 39 children up to January 12.The meeting also heard a further 61 guests were living independently in their own accommodation throughout Stirling, while 146 guests are staying at a trio of hotels – Stirling Highland, Dunblane Hydro and the Killin Hotel – as well as in a serviced apartment block.Among those who have settled and made their home here are mother and daughter Olena and Daria, who moved to work and live in Port of Menteith in July after being forced to flee their home city of Bakhmut at the outset of the fighting.A year on, the city remains a key hotspot for fighting between the two sides, with Russian forces continuing their bombardment in an effort to make gains in the region.

Stirling’s MP and MSPs were among those marking the milestone, reaffirming their commitment to the Ukrainian cause and praising the efforts of locals in