At least three hotels in Dundee are preparing to welcome refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The Best Western Queen’s Hotel on Nethergate is set to provide families with temporary accommodation over the next few months.
Meanwhile it is understood the Apex hotel at City Quay will also offer rooms to Ukrainians, along with one other unnamed site.
More than 21,000 visas have so far been issued to Ukrainians naming a Scottish sponsor.
But that scheme was paused earlier this month as officials work to find more accommodation.
Families across Tayside have already welcomed dozens of refugees since the Russian invasion started.
And last month, it was confirmed about 600 people in Fife have offered homes to those fleeing the conflict.
The Queen’s Hotel is expected to host refugees for the next three months, but bosses have confirmed events like weddings will not be affected.
Most families arriving in Scotland consist of women and children who are receiving the support of Dundee City Council alongside other agencies.
Dundee’s ‘long history of supporting those affected by conflict’
A spokesman for the council said: “Agencies in Dundee are working closely with the Scottish Government to support a number of Ukrainian refugees who are arriving at temporary accommodation in the city.
“While arrangements are made for longer-term accommodation across Scotland, a range of supports will be provided to these displaced persons, including the supplying of necessities, access to health services as required, interpretation and education.
“We are immensely grateful to all the organisations and individuals who are involved in this fast-moving effort to help those who have been forced to flee Ukraine following the invasion of their homeland.
“Dundee has long history of supporting those affected by conflict, and our collective humanitarian response once again shows what a caring city this is.”
A Queen’s Hotel spokeswoman said: “The Best Western Queen’s Hotel remains opens to the general public and forthcoming events.
“We ensure guest privacy and confidentiality is protected at all times during guests visits.
“Given the humanitarian crisis facing the people of Ukraine fleeing from their county to safety to Scotland, if we can open our doors to assist here at the Queen’s Hotel will are happy to support families who are being offered temporary emergency accommodation.”
We would like to express our solidarity with the people of Ukraine during this terrible time.”
Apex Hotels spokeswoman
Asked about the level of support being offered to Ukrainian refugees, an Apex spokeswoman said: “Apex Hotels believes in protecting the privacy of our guests, so we are unable to give out information of this nature.
“However, we would like to express our solidarity with the people of Ukraine during this terrible time.
“We support the efforts of the UK and Scottish Governments to provide a safe haven for refugees fleeing the conflict.”
Conversation