Last summer the MS Victoria, docked in Leith, accommodated over 1,500 Ukrainians however with the contract ending in July 2023, the Scottish Government contacted the University to see if any suitable housing could be made available. Two properties close to the Central campus were identified and work began to renovate the buildings.
Peter Hughes, Architectural Technician in the Small Projects and Minor Works team led on the project management whilst colleagues from Landscape helped freshen up the outside spaces. At the start of July, two families were able to move into the properties and support was provided to help them settle into their new homes.
Iryna Kozakevych currently volunteers at St Cecilia’s Hall, home to the University's musical instrument collection. She moved into a flat with her daughter Sophia whilst her husband is still in Ukraine helping with the war effort. Iryna said: “I am really happy to have a settled home for us, thank you so much.”
Luidmyla and Oleksander Moseichuk and their grandson Dmytro have moved into the second property, having previously been housed at a hotel close to Edinburgh Airport. They were very happy to move into a flat with a garden which has become a sanctuary for them.
Christine Harper, Senior Estates Property Manager said: “This really has been a team effort from people across the Estates Department. The Small Projects and Minor Works team led on the project management whilst colleagues from Landscape helped freshen up the outside spaces. I was lucky to be there when the families first saw their new homes, it was wonderful to see how appreciative they are. I must give a special thanks to Sandra Kinnear, Health, Safety and Sustainability Advisor from Accommodation, Catering and Events who set up the flats to help make them a home rather than just somewhere to live.”
The University has been liaising with our civic partners at the City of Edinburgh Council to explore how we can best support the Ukrainian community. The city of Edinburgh is twinned with Kyiv, and we stand ready to provide whatever support we can.