Ukrainian refugee secures local employment less than two weeks after arriving in Orkney

A Ukrainian refugee has secured a job less than two weeks after arriving in Orkney - not only a shining example of a welcoming community but also the determination of a mother to do the best for her family.

Olena Katsy is a credit to her war-torn nation, and her spirit in the face of adversity echoes that of which continues to be shown by her fellow countrymen and women fighting against the Russian invasion.

Olena arrived in Orkney on May 17 with her six-year-old daughter, Athina, and, despite speaking almost no English, incredibly started work on 29 May as a housekeeper in the Murray Arms Hotel.

Through her host, Olena explained the reasons behind wanting to find a job.

“It is a way of meeting people, making friends and learning more English and I hope it will mean I am earning more money than just claiming benefits. My 18-year-old daughter has had to remain with my elderly mother as internally displaced refugees in Ukraine and I would like to help them also if I can during this time.

“There is a feeling of achievement from getting a job so quickly,” she added.

Olena worked for an interior design studio in Ukraine, so this is a completely different role, but one she is giving 100 per cent to.

“I am not afraid of any kind of work and the people I work with are great fun – they tell me I work too quickly and should slow down a little!”

They communicate through gestures and Olena is picking up a few words here and there, while her colleagues are learning a little Russian!

“If we need to, we can use Google Translate to help but we usually manage quite well,” she said.

Gina Brown, from the Murray Arms had no hesitation in employing Olena.

“Olena has so far been very quick at picking up the words that she needs for her role here. The team all have downloaded Google Translate so we have no issues with language anymore - actually, if anything it's been a source of humour between us.....Google Translate doesn't always get it right.

“One of the team is getting on quite well with picking up little bits of Russian, but Olena has been very patient with any barriers.  After 3 weeks, we have at least stopped shouting in pigeon English to her!

“Olena has fitted in well, she’s good fun, gets on with all of us here, and is a hard worker.  In Ukraine - she has a good profession and is undoubtably smart, so I don’t think it will take her long to be speaking English.”

Gina acknowledged that while Olena’s arrival here is under horrendous circumstances, it’s clear she wants to make the best of her time in Orkney.

“It also means I have an extra staff member who is reliable and we all like, and it is probably a welcome distraction for her from what's happening at home. 

“I would employ someone else from Ukraine – it’s been a positive experience borne out of something very ugly.” 

Olena and Athina continue to settle into life in Orkney, enjoying walks and cooking traditional Ukrainian food with their host family, and recently attended the Jubilee celebrations in St Margaret’s Hope School.

While Athina is understandably anxious about starting school, both Olena and the host feel it is very important for her onward socialisation into life as a young person in the county so it is hoped this can still happen ahead of the summer holidays.

Olena and Athina have experienced several acts of kindness from strangers since their arrival on Scottish soil – from a taxi driver in Aberdeen who gave them their fare from the airport free of charge and quietly popped a £20 note in Athina’s hands, to neighbours in Orkney who have kindly offered to give Olena a car – now she just needs to go through the red tape to try and be able to drive it as her paper licence was destroyed in Mariupol.

They remain very grateful for the ongoing outpouring of support.