That’s the United Nations High Commission for Refugees’ endorsement of Argyll and Bute Council’s support of refugees and people seeking asylum over the past decade.
The council has marked a decade of welcoming refugees to the area by launching its new Refugee and Asylum Strategy for 2025–2030 at a special community event in Rothesay on Wednesday 17 December 2025. The event brought together local residents, refugees, community groups, and representatives from local and national government in a celebration of community, connection, and belonging, while also marking 10 years since the first Syrian families arrived in the region.
The council’s work supporting refugees and people seeking asylum has been recognised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as an example of successful, community-led resettlement.
Vicky Tennant, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Representative to the UK, said:
“For over a decade, Argyll and Bute have shown that welcoming refugees is not only a lifeline for those forced to flee, but a powerful way to enrich and strengthen local communities. Their commitment to dignity, independence and creativity has helped refugees and their neighbours thrive together — a true example of what successful resettlement looks like.”
This endorsement from the United Nations is something that the council will build on with its refugee resettlement strategy for the next five years. The new strategy formalises the learning and experience gained over the past decade, setting out how the council will continue to support refugees to rebuild their lives while strengthening communities across Argyll and Bute.
Meanwhile, the celebration of the past decade’s work took place in the Victorian Winter Garden in Rothesay, attended by over 200 people. At its heart was the premiere of a 30-minute documentary film produced by local filmmakers James Gray and Andy Crabb, which tells the stories of families who have rebuilt their lives in Argyll and Bute. The film explores their journeys and contributions, highlighting how welcoming rural areas can offer safety, opportunity, and belonging.
Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said the film left him feeling hopeful about the future of the area.
“Even though the film shared the stories of a lot of people in distress, my main feeling was one of hope,”
he said.
“You could see the difference you can make to someone’s life just by being friendly and by standing up and helping them. Argyll and Bute has a depopulation issue, but when you look around today, we’ve brought a lot of young families to the area who are going to be the future. They’ve got hope, positivity, and they want to be part of the community.”
The council says the success of refugee resettlement locally has been shaped by the character of its communities. Close-knit towns and villages across Argyll and Bute have played a vital role in helping people settle, learn English, find work, and feel part of everyday life.
That sense of welcome was reflected throughout the event, with people from different backgrounds coming together to share food, conversations and experiences. Refugees frequently speak of the patience shown by neighbours as they learn English, the friendships formed through volunteering, and the sense of safety that allows them to rebuild their lives after experiences of conflict, displacement, and trauma.
Yahya, who owns and runs Café Tazza in Rothesay and arrived in Scotland when he was 20, spoke about the encouragement he has felt since making Argyll and Bute his home.
“The thing I love about living in Argyll and Bute is the people - very kind and very respectful. That’s encouraged me to want to work harder, to volunteer, and to do anything I can to improve the place we live.”
Local residents also reflected on the positive impact welcoming new people has had on their communities. Jenny, a local resident who attended the event, said the film highlighted the resilience and determination of people starting new lives.
“The main feeling I had watching the film was just overwhelming emotion. The new residents have brought so much to the community - they bring a sense of hope. They’re experiencing a new beginning, setting up businesses and going to study. My sponsored Ukrainian lady is halfway through a nursing degree, and we desperately need nurses in Scotland.”
Over the past decade, Argyll and Bute Council has built strong experience in supporting refugees and asylum seekers, working closely with communities, partners, and national programmes to help people settle and thrive. The newly launched Refugee and Asylum Strategy 2025–2030 captures these lessons and sets out how the council will continue to work closely with local communities, keeping people involved, informed, and connected as new residents settle in.
The council says the anniversary event marked not only a significant milestone, but a celebration of connection, kindness and shared belonging — reflecting a renewed commitment to equality, opportunity, and ensuring that everyone who chooses to make Argyll and Bute their home has the chance to succeed.
The documentary, titled An Argyll and Bute Welc
