Ukrainian couple arrive safely with host family in East Lothian

Married Svetlana Husieva and Olexandr Husiev fled their hometown of Lviv for Hungary a week before Russian troops invaded Ukraine and dropped bombs on their beloved home, shattering any sense of safety that once existed in the country.

The pair remained in temporary accommodation in Hungary for four weeks before travelling to Paris, where they stayed for a week waiting for their visas to be approved.

From there, they boarded the Eurostar to London before visiting the Embassy of Ukraine on Holland Park – 10 minutes later, the couple were boarding a train to Edinburgh to begin a new life in Scotland.

That’s when county woman Alice Beveridge stepped in, offering to host the pair in her family home, occupied by Wags and Walkies business owner husband Ross, 41, and children Aria, eight, and five-year-old Ayren. They arrived in the county on Saturday.

About 40 East Lothian households have registered to host Ukrainian families, with East Lothian Council anticipating that number to rise as more refugees enter the county in the coming weeks.

On Saturday, the grateful couple arrived at the Beveridge family’s cottage in East Fortune.

Svetlana Husieva and Olexandr Husiev are grateful to be safe in East Fortune

Svetlana left her home country, where she was born and raised, leaving behind her mother and twin siblings, who have since fled to Hungary, while Olexandr’s mother and father remain in Ukraine, unable to leave.

Svetlana said: “We have come very, very far to an island and it is very different.

“It is very difficult to understand that we cannot return to Ukraine and we have many friends who cannot leave the country.

“There are many children and I feel sad and strange when I have spoken with people I know.

“Every day there are many attacks and they cannot leave because they are afraid they will be harmed trying to.”

'It is not my city anymore because it has been destroyed'

The 24-year-old explained that many people, including Olexandr’s mother, were refusing to leave their husbands and sons behind – Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 are required to remain in the country as the conflict intensifies, with many urged to join the army.

She said: “There are so many bombs, airstrikes, sirens and attacks. It is not my city anymore because it has been destroyed.

“I am in disbelief that our city is no longer and never will be again the same city.”

Through Alice and the help of host Mark Duns, Svetlana’s family are due to arrive and be hosted in North Berwick within the week.

Svetlana said: “It feels very good that [they] will be here soon and we can all spend time together and have our sense of family back.

“My family were in Ukraine the day the war began and they heard sirens and saw bombs dropping.”

'Ukrainians are used to war'

Olexandr added: “I am worried for my family but I am used to it.

“Ukrainians are used to war.”

The couple have been together for three and a half years ago and described their relationship as “love at first sight”.

Svetlana said she was thankful for Alice and that she had supported them so much.

Since arriving in the county, Alice has helped the pair set up bank accounts, register with local doctors, attended John Muir House to receive their welcome payment, filled in National Insurance forms and taken the duo on a tour of the county to spot Ukrainian flags and on a trip to North Berwick – where they were offered jobs at North Berwick Fry.

Alice, director of education firm Tree of Knowledge, said her young children were a huge part of the motivation to help refugees fleeing conflict.

The 35-year-old said: “I would hope if my family were in a similar situation, someone somewhere would help. It has been an emotional rollercoaster. As a mother, the nurturing instinct jumped out and I want them to feel safe.

“What has been lovely is the way the children and Svetlana and Olexandr have bonded.

“They shared their Easter traditions and next Sunday, when Ukrainians celebrate Easter, we plan to carry out their traditions.

“It is good for the children to know that even when bad things happen, you can always do good to help.”

Bonding over Mario Kart

Alice added that when she was tidying up on Sunday, she went into the family living room to find her children and her guests playing computer game Mario Kart together, adding: “The language barrier had disappeared.”

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: ”We are currently aware of around 40 households who have registered as host families and are looking to provide accommodation to Ukrainian refugees and we anticipate that number will increase.

“We don’t yet know how many refugees to expect, although we are aware a small number have already arrived, with more expected towards the end of April.

“We are continuing to work with hosts and have set up a new, dedicated email address for this, ukraine@eastlothian.gov.uk, as well as more information on ways of providing support on our website.

“We have been holding regular meetings with partner organisations to ensure our response is as advanced as it can be, to enable clarity on some aspects of the various schemes, as the situation changes daily. We would encourage anyone wishing to offer support to check our website, and households particularly looking to provide accommodation to get in touch via the dedicated email address.”

Paul McLennan, East Lothian MSP, added: “I warmly welcome refugees settling in East Lothian and Scotland, and look forward to meeting and supporting the families as best we can. I am proud to be part of a county and country that welcomes refugees.”