King Charles meeting families

Aberdeen City Council has worked with the UK and Scottish Governments and partner organisations to provide accommodation and critical services such as health and education for more than 1,000 people from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria.

A public appeal made through the Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust has delivered essential living materials.

The event at the Town House was held to “celebrate and acknowledge the warm welcome that those fleeing international conflict have received from the city”.

The King spoke to those displaced and to representatives of local organisations that have helped families and individuals resettle in the city and elsewhere in the UK.

Aberdeen City Council first supported Syrian refugees in 2016 and more recently Afghans evacuated from Kabul in September 2021 and Ukrainians escaping Russia’s invasion earlier this year.

Lord-Lieutenant Dr David Cameron, who accompanied the King during his visit, said: “We were greatly honoured to share with King Charles III how we as a city have responded to devastating world events.

“It was especially moving for the King to hear first-hand from some of those who have suffered directly as a result of conflict across the globe; those who have lost their homes and more.

“Thanks to the compassion and generosity of Aberdeen’s organisations and residents, we have been able to extend the steadying and loving hand of friendship in welcoming them to our city.”

Those sharing their story included Burhan Vesal, who worked as an interpreter with the British Army in Afghanistan, where his wife was a doctor.

He said: “I had heard great things about Aberdeen, its people and the community. We feel blessed to have found good support here. My son has made many friends in school and my family is very happy here.”

The council’s resettlement team was joined by representatives of third sector organisations, businesses and city hotels that have been providing a temporary home for arrivals. Other partners involved in the humanitarian response include NHS Grampian, the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership and the University of Aberdeen.

King Charles was greeted by crowds outside the Town House and shook hands with members of the public before spending time with the families inside.

A choir made up of pupils from Dyce Primary and the Robert Gordon’s College closed the event with a rendition of “The Northern Lights” conducted by Professor Paul Mealor from the University of Aberdeen.