Asylum seekers have arrived in Elgin
The first 10 of 50 asylum seekers arrived in Elgin last week, it has been revealed.
Members of Moray Council refugee resettlement team have given an update to Elgin Community Council.
The 10 young men will be homed at the Eight Acres Hotel until their claims are dealt with – a process which could take over a year.
A further 40 asylum seekers – all young men – are due to arrive in the town over the next four weeks or so.
The Home Office are said to be working with Moray Council and other stakeholders to help integrate the individuals into the community.
Carmen Gillies, the leader of the resettlement team, told the community council meeting that the asylum seekers had left war-torn countries as teenagers.
She added that some have been travelling for years before reaching the UK.
She said: "They are fleeing from something that is causing danger to their lives. They are vulnerable individuals, and we want them to thrive."
Resettlement team member Karen Burse said there were "misconceptions" surrounding those seeking asylum, adding, "we need to make sure their experience here is as healthy as possible".
Moray Council member Peter Bloomfield (Elgin North, Conservative) raised the issue that the hotel had continued to take bookings and payments for gym membership until very recently.
Meanwhile community council member Graham Jarvis raised concerns that additional pressures were being put on council, police and other services with no additional funding.
The asylum seekers will be allocated their own room and given meals at the hotel.
They will receive £9.10 a week from the UK government.
As they are not allowed to work while their claims are being processed, opportunities are being sought for them to take part in activities and appropriate volunteering roles.
