Warm Orkney welcome continues as Stagecoach offer free bus passes to refugees

Stagecoach is the latest company to warmly welcome refugees into the county with the offer of free bus passes.

David Beaton, Managing Director for Stagecoach Highlands, said: “It’s hard to imagine the terrible experiences these people have been through. We're really proud to be playing our part in providing free bus passes to help these Ukrainian families settle into their new homes in Orkney."

The first to receive the passes are Olena Katsy and Natalia Simonova, pictured here with Stagecoach Manager Jay Anderson and Keith Bendall Project Manager (Resettlement Schemes) on Thursday.

Stagecoach have agreed to give passes to all refugees who are resettled in Orkney for an initial three-month period.

Olena explained that this will make a world of difference and allow her and her daughter, Athina to explore the Mainland, and make use of the free ActiveLife passes given to them by the Pickaquoy Centre and OIC recently.

“The paper copy of my driver’s licence was destroyed at home in Mariupol during the bombings and although I have an online version this is not acceptable. This means I am unable to drive in this country at this time and rely heavily on my host for being taken everywhere as we cannot afford to pay for travel at present. Neighbours of my host have even offered to give me their old car as they have bought a new one so I long for the time when I can have my own licence in place and earn enough to pay for all that comes with that.

“I do not wish to be a burden to my host and have to ask to be driven everywhere so having this free bus pass will make a huge difference and give us and our host a little freedom. Myself and Natalia were meeting up today to enjoy a swim at the Pickaquoy Centre and instead of relying on a host to have to take us home, we can use the free bus passes. Thank you so much to Stagecoach, this really means a huge amount and we are very grateful.”

Keith Bendall, Project Manager (Resettlement Schemes), is leading both Ukraine and Afghanistan resettlement programmes on behalf of the Council. He said: “We are delighted that Stagecoach is the latest to come on board and continue the outstanding welcome to all refugees who find themselves settled in the county.

“This is all about slotting together all pieces of the jigsaw at a local level to ensure families and individuals have a stress-free assisted transition to their new life in Orkney.

“I will be the point of contact for partners providing services, working closely to improve on processes and looking at any opportunity that makes it easier for anyone who arrives to settle. This is another shining example of our community making everyone feel included and welcome.”