Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Glasgow minister visits new Gorbals homes
The Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan MSP, along with the Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart MSP, recently paid a visit to the Gorbals to witness the remarkable progress of a project aimed at renovating flats for Ukrainian families who have been displaced by war.
Since February 2023, the New Gorbals Housing Association has received close to £1.6 million in funding from the Scottish Government’s Ukrainian Longer-Term Resettlement Fund (ULTRF). This crucial government support has enabled the transformation of 52 previously uninhabited properties in New Gorbals into comfortable homes for families in need.
During their visit on Thursday 11th July, both ministers had the opportunity to meet with the families who have been resettled through this initiative.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Housing Minister Paul McLennan stated, “More than 27,000 displaced individuals with Scottish-sponsored visas have arrived in the UK since the illegal invasion of Ukraine began. Our commitment is to provide these individuals with secure and safe accommodation for as long as they require it.”
He added, “This collaborative effort between local housing associations, government agencies, and local authorities showcases what can be achieved. The reintroduction of these homes not only aids Ukrainian families in acclimating to the community but also contributes positively to the social housing stock once their need diminishes, leaving behind a lasting legacy for the neighbourhood.”
The Gorbals area has a rich history of welcoming different immigrant groups over the years, ranging from Highland Gael and Italian communities to more recent groups from Somalia, Ethiopia, and other countries.
The first wave of tenants settled into their new homes in Gorbals this spring, with over 100 Ukrainian individuals already welcomed by the New Gorbals Housing Association. The household compositions vary, ranging from single individuals to families with children, including one child born in Scotland.
Jean Miller, the chair of the New Gorbals Housing Association, expressed her delight in the progress made, stating, “The ULTRF has offered us the opportunity to revive void properties, making them habitable again amidst increasing cost pressures. Gorbals has a long-standing history of hosting diverse communities and we are confident that these resettled families will find a warm and welcoming environment.”
Borys Samchuk, a beneficiary of the ULTRF scheme, voiced his gratitude, saying, “My family and I are immensely thankful for the support provided by the New Gorbals Housing Association. We feel truly welcomed in Gorbals and are eager to engage with the local community. My wife has even joined a choir, and we hope to establish a community facility for the group.”
As part of their outreach efforts, the New Gorbals Housing Association has organised Ukrainian Tenant Meetings to facilitate interaction among residents and encourage community engagement. The Association is also in the process of acquiring a nearby building to convert it into a community centre for the Riverside neighbourhood, offering a space for Ukrainian households to connect and integrate with the wider community.
