A project supporting refugees who have settled in Scotland has been extended thanks to extra funding from The Scottish Refugee Council. 

The New Scots Holiday Programme, a project that provides hospitality to people who have fled countries in war, was due to finish in September but has been extended for three months thanks to the additional funding.

The project is coordinated by Church of Scotland organisation Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees, a multi-faith partnership project that seeks to connect people in churches with refugee families and provide them with a safe place. 

Sabir Zazai, chief executive officer of the Scottish Refugee Council, hopes that these partnerships will continue strengthening the ability of communities to welcome refugees: 

“I do hope we can build on this great example of partnership working to make our communities more welcoming for those seeking sanctuary in these rather unprecedented times.” 

Zazai noted how grateful he was to Scottish Faith Action for Refugees because of the important role they have always played in welcoming refugees: 

“This project gave the opportunity to bring together our experiences with the faith values of hospitality to build bridges across differences but most importantly nurture our longstanding legacy of offering sanctuary to those who need our protection.” 

Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees coordinator, David Bradwell, said he is “delighted to have received the extension” and believes the church has a key role to play in opening the door to refugees.

“The Church’s need and commitment to engage in multicultural and multi-faith dialogue and be a light and example in this world has become even more evident," he said.

“Welcoming the stranger and showing hospitality and the hand of friendship are at the heart of the Christian message.”