Syrian families have hailed the welcome they have been given since fleeing their war-torn country for a new life in Arbroath.
Director of Angus Refugee Care Islam Mohammden was speaking at the start of the inaugural Angus Refugee Festival which celebrates the county’s role in supporting families.
He said: “The families have had a very warm welcome in Arbroath both in terms of local community groups and individuals.
“They have volunteered in local conservation groups, social groups and sports and cultural events.
“From the beginning we have welcomed the Syrians as New Scots with the same ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ Scottish attitude that we hope we would receive in any country we had to seek asylum.
“The families are all successfully building new lives here, like most of us, focusing on work and family.”
The festival got underway with an exclusive screening of Queens of Syria at St Andrew’s Church.
Hosted by Angus Solidarity for Refugees and Angus Refugee Care, the festival will also include a five-a-side football friendly between Arbroathians and Syrians at Arbroath Sports Centre on Sunday.
The publication of a recipe book of Syrian dishes will also be launched later this year by the families that have settled in Arbroath.
Mr Mohammden added: “Angus has a big heart and it is a great place to live.
“Our families have enjoyed the warm welcome of the community, local facilities and the natural beauty.
“Local Muslim and Christian groups has been very generous with friendship and donations of time and resources.
“The first families arrived just before Christmas and all the lights and festival attitude helped to lighten up their dark winter arrival to our northern country.
“I remember seeing some of the children dancing in the falling snow the first time they saw it.
“Angus has always had a strong international community and with the groundswell of goodwill for this cluster of Refugees and the festival to celebrate our growing bonds, we hope to build more long term resources and traditions celebrating the variety of Scots in Angus.”
