Aberdeen City Council secured £6.15 million from the Scottish Government’s Longer Term Resettlement Fund to refurbish up to 500 empty properties for people displaced by war.

Ms Roddick visited Rosemount Community and Learning Centre to meet with representatives from the Ukrainian Society, resettled tenants, ESOL learners (English Speakers of Other Languages) and Community Learning and Development.

Ms Roddick also dropped into a Summer in the City activity to see how children are interacting with each other through fun activities over the summer holidays.

Emma Roddick said: “It was inspiring to see the great work being done in Aberdeen to welcome displaced Ukrainian people, from supporting children to settle into schools and helping adults access language classes, to wider resettlement right across the community.

“I’m really pleased that Scottish Government funding has enabled up to 500 void homes across the city to be brought back into use for Ukrainian families, and impressed by the creative approach Aberdeen City Council have taken in delivering this.”

Ms Roddick was joined by Councillor Miranda Radley, convener of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee.

Councillor Radley said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees, Emma Roddick, to Aberdeen to see the progress that has been made in our communities to welcome those who have been displaced by conflict.

“Aberdeen continues to be a place of sanctuary for individuals and families, and their presence is enriching our city.”

Daria Shapovalova, chair of the Ukrainian Community Hub Association, said: “We know Aberdeen is hosting many Ukrainian refugees and are grateful for all the support in building a welcoming Ukrainian Community Hub.

“With the support of Aberdonians and the City Council, we are able to run the Ukrainian Hub and host the Ukrainian School in the Rosemount Community Learning Centre, helping hundreds of refugees and supporting over 100 children in adjusting to their new lives in Scotland.”