Ukrainian refugees living “better than they dreamed” on Scottish cruise ship
More than 100 Ukrainian refugees arriving in Scotland are calling a cruise ship in Edinburgh their new home, with those aboard praising the extensive amenities and nods to their home country.
Families began moving onto the MS Victoria at the end of July, which can host up to 1,700 people and includes restaurants, children’s play areas, shops, a laundry, support services and free Wi-Fi among its onboard amenities.
Though that might be standard fare for cruise passengers, there have been some extra touches made to help those onboard feel more at home.
Nikol Bilous told BBC Scotland the ship came with access to Ukrainian TV channels, which came as a surprise since “you never find that when you go on holiday”.
"All the signs are in Ukrainian on the ship and most of the staff are Ukrainian,” the 19-year-old said.
"And last night we had Borscht beetroot soup, our national dish, we couldn't believe it.
"The conditions on the ship are better than we could have dreamed of and we are very grateful to the Scottish people for this accommodation.”
Bilous added that there were also cinemas and theatres on board, but there were issues with the lights which haven’t worked after the Covid lockdowns.
“But we don't need entertainment and were very surprised they were trying to do all this for us," she said.
"Edinburgh Council has been on board all the time answering any questions we have, so we have felt 100% supported.
"The rooms are quite small but they are perfect and we are very happy and grateful."
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began earlier this year, more than 10,500 people have travelled from Ukraine to Scotland.
The Scottish government says that new arrivals are met with a network of “welcome hubs”, moving into temporary accommodation such as the MS Victoria or a hotel until alternative housing is arranged.
The MS Victoria is docked at all times and guarded, with residents able to arrive and leave whenever they like.
Other families, including Tanya Munawar, her husband Khashif, and their five-year-old daughter Marcia, told the BBC they were given “a very warm welcome” when they arrived in Scotland and hoped to settle in the local area.
"I'm an immigration consultant and since we arrived here on 26 July I have been trying to find us accommodation to rent and a job,” Khashif said.
"I've been applying to hotels to be a housekeeping supervisor. We plan to stay here and work. It really helps that we can speak English.
"My daughter is small and is feeling good, as long as she is with her parents she won't be affected by this."
Image: Marko Stampehl (AS Tallink Group)