East Ayrshire Council (EAC) have announced that they have plans in place to support any Ukrainians fleeing their country and looking for refuge elsewhere.

Though before the area can welcome refugees escaping the conflict, the UK Government must first develop a scheme for their resettlement.

According to latest figures from the United Nations, approximately two million people have been forced to flee Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

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COSLA wrote a letter to all Scottish local authority chief executives, asking individual councils to provide an indication of their position, should the UK enhance their current support structure.

EAC will be working to provide support that is needed, including housing and other services.

Eddie Fraser, chief executive of East Ayrshire Council, said: "At the council meeting of 24 February, elected members united to condemn the Russian  invasion and to put on record their support, solidarity and empathy for the people of Ukraine.

Cumnock Chronicle:  Eddie Fraser, Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council Eddie Fraser, Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council

"Throughout East Ayrshire, communities and local businesses have been making donations and collecting items for humanitarian relief and we will continue to support those efforts in whatever we can.

"We have well-established arrangements for welcoming and supporting refugees in East Ayrshire and we will be working closely with our communities, the Scottish Government and COSLA, to provide any support required, including housing and other vital services, to Ukrainian refugees in Scotland."

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