Nicola Sturgeon pledged to make sure Ukrainian refugees in Killin are able to stay if they want to, after concerns they would be forced out of the rural village.
Last month the Scottish Government cancelled a contract to house 60 Ukrainian refugees in Killin Hotel, raising fears they would be evicted and left with nowhere to live.
The Scottish Government then U-turned on the decision and said those who want to stay in the village will be able to stay beyond the 28-day notice period.
It comes after community leaders attacked the government for having no “plan B” on where these refugees will go once the contract ends.
The first minister responded to concerns in Holyrood on Thursday.
Sturgeon: ‘We will help them’
Ms Sturgeon said many of the refugees staying at Killin Hotel wanted to move to a “more central location” with better employment opportunities.
However, she added those who have children at the local school or have found jobs in the village are keen to stay put.
She said: “It is our priority to make sure the people displaced from Ukraine are looked after here and are well supported here.
“We have listened to some of those from Ukraine who want to stay in Killin and we will help them do that by working with Stirling Council and the local community so they are supported to find alternative accommodation.
“Some may be able to remain at the hotel while they are supported to find long-term accommodation.”
In parliament, Conservative MSP Alexander Stewart said Ms Sturgeo needs to “draw a line under this saga”.
The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP said the situation was “highly unacceptable” and causing the refugees caught up in the uncertainty “severe distress”.
News welcomed by community council
The news was welcomed by chairman of Killin Community Council Andy Aitken who said he feels this is “the best way forward”.
Previously, Mr Aitkin accused the government of having no “plan B” for the refugees in Killin and said he suspected they had “no feasible alternative”.
Falls of Dochart Retirement Home in the village also said the government needed to give the refugees more time to find somewhere else to live, and said losing the refugees they had taken on as staff would be “catastrophic”.
Now Mr Aitkin said he believes the government U-turned on its decision because they were “embarrassed” when it was highlighted by The Courier.
He said: “This gives the council and the local community more time to find suitable accommodation for everyone.
“It is not a magic cure but it is the best way forward and I believe it will be to the benefit of everyone involved.”
Conversation