A new campaign has been launched to find more people willing to take in refugees from the war in Ukraine.

The Scottish Government is looking for more people to open their homes to take people who are currently in short-term accommodation.

Many people are in accommodation as part of the Scottish Government’s ‘super sponsor’ scheme.

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Neil Gray, minister with special responsibility for refugees from Ukraine, said: “We need more hosts and that’s why we’ve launched this campaign.

“We know that being a host is a big commitment so we have set out exactly what will be expected so people can make an informed choice before providing their details.

"The most successful arrangements happen when both the needs of hosts and Ukrainians align.  

"Many people may prefer to live in areas close to amenities and services, or close to pre-existing Ukrainian communities.

"In addition, volunteer hosts will have their own preferences and may not have space for larger family sizes or complex group compositions.”

He added: “We don’t want people to spend any more time than necessary in temporary accommodation and we are keen to match people with hosts as soon as we can.”

Simon Tyas MBE, from Scot Hosts, said: “We are pleased to support this campaign, which is very much needed.

"Over the past nine months, Scot Hosts been working with hosts (through the Facebook group Scotland Ukraine Host Support Group) and Ukrainian families across Scotland to try and ensure that they have a positive and effective time during their time together in Scotland.

“We’ve created a support network where hosts can share positive and negative experiences, and we stand ready to welcome new hosts who are willing and able to offer their homes.”

A new webpage has been set up to provide prospective volunteers with clear information on the application process and what is expected should they be matched with a displaced person from Ukraine already in Scotland.

Hosts will register their details online which will then be sent to their local authority, where checks are undertaken to ensure that homes offered are suitable to host displaced people from Ukraine.

For more information about hosting or to apply to be a host, visit mygov.scot/offer-a-home.