First Minister Nicola Sturgeon extends 'warm Scottish welcome' to Ukrainian refugees

Nicola Sturgeon has told Ukrainian refugees they will be treated with “care, dignity and respect” for however long they stay in Scotland.

The First Minister extended a welcome to those fleeing their country following the invasion by Russia.

And she insisted that Scotland offers a “nation of helping hands” to them and their loves ones.

It comes after the launch of the UK Government’s Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

Thousands of people across the UK have signed up to host those leaving Ukraine.

In a welcome message issued on Saturday, which was also published in Ukrainian, Sturgeon told those fleeing the conflict that Scotland is their home for as long as they need it.

“On behalf of the Scottish Government – and the people of Scotland – I warmly welcome you, and your family and friends, to Scotland,” she said.

“I want you to know that you are now safe. Please know that you will be treated with care, dignity and respect, for however long you stay.

“We have been shocked by what has happened to the people of Ukraine. We want to help, and to provide you with the support and the services that you need.

“As we open our doors to you, we also open our hearts. We offer not just a refuge, but a warm Scottish welcome and a nation of helping hands to you and your loved ones.

“Welcome to Scotland, our home – and, for as long as you need, yours too.”

A version of the welcome message from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Ukrainian can be read below:

Вітання від першого міністра Ніколи Стерджен для українців, які прибувають до Шотландії.

Від імені уряду Шотландії – та народу Шотландії – я щиро вітаю вас, вашу сім’ю та друзів у Шотландії. Я хочу запевнити вас, що тепер ви у безпеці.

Будь ласка, знайте, що до вас будуть ставитися з турботою, гідністю та повагою, незалежно від терміну вашого перебування.

Ми шоковані тим, що сталося з народом України. Ми хочемо допомогти і надати вам підтримку та послуги, які вам потрібні.

Відчиняючи для вас двері, ми також відкриваємо наші серця. Ми пропонуємо вам і вашим близьким не просто притулок, а теплий прийом і допомогу від усіх наших громадян. Ласкаво просимо до Шотландії – нашого дому, і вашого також, на той термін, який вам потрібен.