Scottish Refugee Council

19/08/2026

How do you build communities in remote places? The Hebridean Refugee Community has started to answer that question...

With so few New Scots in the Western Isles, Murtaza set out to create one community for all refugees, regardless of country or culture. He said:

"Through our activities, we have seen people move from silence to expression, from isolation to connection."

Hebridean Refugee Community is an informal volunteer group in the Western Isles, born from Murtaza's own experience of displacement. The group supports new arrivals, promotes social inclusion, and builds bridges between diverse cultures and established island residents.

You can read more about how this group supports their community here: https://ow.ly/K3Fm50ZAXBs

Look out for more inspiring groups across Scotland in our Community Spotlight series.

14/08/2026

Thank you all so much for the incredible response to our collaboration with SophyLouise_Illustration this week!

Our final piece of the set is now available with these stunning enamel pin badges.

Choose your favourite colour & wear Scotland's national animal as a sign of welcome this summer.

Get yours here 🦄 https://ow.ly/tIAU50ZzLbC

13/08/2026

We have half-day and full-day trainings coming up in September!

🔵Introduction to refugees: asylum and resettlement
📅Tuesday 15th September 2026, 9.30am - 1pm (on Zoom)
This course introduces key terminology and processes involved in the UK asylum and resettlement systems. You will also explore how a trauma-informed approach can be taken in your role to empower refugees and people seeking asylum and support their integration. Open to those based in the UK.

🔵Working with unaccompanied refugee children
📅Tuesday 29th September 2026, 9.30am - 4pm (on Zoom)
Join Scottish Refugee Council and Guardianship Scotland for a practical online training day for professionals supporting unaccompanied children and young people. Designed for practitioners working in local authorities and the third sector, this course is relevant for social workers, accommodation support workers, foster carers, or ESOL teachers. Open to those based in Scotland only.

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=sgWNEbnsckSrz0HaqrXRwHp0rj60HBZKvr9DsbWY4R5UMUdUWFA1UlVTMzRRSUs1NlpLU1dDWkhSNCQlQCN0PWcu

12/08/2026

Free training sessions coming up in August and September!

🔵Supporting pregnant women in the asylum process
📅Friday 28th August 2026, 12 - 1pm (on Zoom)
Join us to learn how to support pregnant women navigating the asylum process and explore our newly developed resource designed to strengthen understanding and practice in this area. Open to those based in Scotland only.

🔵Understanding the move on process and how to support new refugees
📅Tuesday 1st September 2026, 12 - 1pm (on Zoom)
By attending this session, participants will develop their understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by new refugees following a positive decision on their asylum claim. You will also be introduced to the resources we have available. Open to those based in Scotland only.

🔵Introduction to working with interpreters
📅Thursday10th September 2026, 2 - 3pm (on Zoom)
This session will introduce the core principles for working confidently and effectively with interpreters, and you'll have the chance to apply your learning through group activities and reflecting on real world scenarios. Open to those based in the UK.

🔵Supporting refugees in healthcare settings
📅Tuesday 15th September 2026, 3 - 4pm (on Zoom)
This session explores healthcare rights for refugees and people in the asylum process. You will develop your understanding of how healthcare access works in practice for this community and explore barriers and challenges that can affect access to services. Open to those based in Scotland only.

Register your interest here: https://ow.ly/JOYe50ZyQyn

10/08/2026

Our limited edition merch is out now! Thank you so much to the hugely talented SophyLouise_Illustration for making this gorgeous design.

She told us about what this meant for her: “With the unicorn being Scotland's national animal, it stands as a symbol of unity, as a symbol of strength against oppression. I think it's a very fitting image, encompassing the beauty and strength of one individual being stronger than any force against it.”

And we agree. People continue to try to divide our communities, so it's more important than ever that we show our solidarity and unity against hate.

Help us to raise essential funds to support people rebuilding their lives in Scotland.

We only have a limited amount, so get yours soon: https://scottishrefugeecouncil.bigcartel.com/

06/08/2026

We've just launched a new guide with all the info refugees need to understand housing in Scotland.

For people who have just been granted refugee status, housing is often the first thing they have to think about. It can be a complicated system to navigate, so we've explained it all here: https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/applying-for-housing/

30/07/2026

Finding a community can be the most beneficial thing for anyone rebuilding their lives. That's why we work with communities across the country that are doing this vital work.

We spoke with Dr. Thusanli Upendran, who started Scotland Tamil Raise so that no one would be left to settle in a new country alone.

She said: "Many Tamils have become part of a global diaspora because of conflict and human rights abuses. Arriving in a new country can be overwhelming, especially when you are far from home. I wanted to build a space where Tamil families, asylum seekers, and young people could feel supported while they integrate into Scottish society."

Scotland Tamils Raise helps people overcome isolation, language barriers, and the confusion of navigating life in a new place. Integration is about belonging, and we create opportunities for people to build friendships, gain confidence, and participate in the wider community.

We're going to be highlighting more amazing groups across Scotland in our new Community Spotlight series. Stay tuned for more!

You can read more about how this group supports their community here: https://newscots.scot/helping-tamils-build-new-lives-in-scotland/

28/07/2026

On this day 75 years ago, the UK government was one of the first countries to sign the UN Refugee Convention. They made a promise that people fleeing war and persecution would be protected. 75 years on, this promise is under threat.

To mark this anniversary, we asked Scots about their views on refugees and found that there is a huge gap between the public’s assumption and reality.

Contact with refugee communities is one of the most powerful ways to break down prejudice. But with 77% of people never having met a refugee, more needs to be done to help heal division and bring communities together.

Read more here: https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/scotlands-view-on-refugees-75-years-after-un-convention/

27/07/2026

We stand in solidarity with everyone affected by the violence that took place in Glasgow on Saturday.

Throwing bottles and traffic cones at people and doing N**i salutes is not a protest. It is violence and intimidation that deliberately targeted people because of the colour of their skin. There is no place for this kind of racist thuggery in Scotland.

Thank you to the thousands of people who came out to show their support for migrants and refugees building their lives here. We know people are feeling afraid. Now is the time to check in with one another.

No one deserves to be threatened or intimidated for seeking safety. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

You can find safety information and advice here: https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/response-to-250726/

Police Scotland have appealed for anyone with footage or photos of the disorder to upload it using the online form here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26S14-P01

Information can also be passed to Police Scotland via 101 quoting Operation Cornstarch. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

24/07/2026

We have to look out for each other and support our communities. We've put together a list of information and resources that could be helpful.

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A far-right march and counter protest are planned in Glasgow city centre on Saturday 25 July. We urge anyone who is concerned to avoid the area if possible.

We've put together information and resources to help you stay safe and support each other in the wake of increasing anti-migrant violence and intimidation.

Recent hostility does not reflect the Scotland we know and the communities we work with daily. Many people across the country still welcome those who are simply trying to rebuild their lives after fleeing conflict

Get more information and advice on how to stay safe here: https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/staying-safe-and-supporting-each-other/