Welcome to your monthly Resettlement Project update.
We hope you have been enjoying the Halloween period which has just passed, and that the changeable Scottish weather hasn’t been too damp and chilly for you! We’re moving into November which means ‘Bonfire Night’ is coming up, it’s Scottish Inter Faith Week and you’ll start to notice preparations being made in advance for the Christmas period in late December.
We hope that you have everything you need to ensure your comfort and safety as the weather gets colder. All the staff that you come into contact with will be happy to support you with help and advice should you need it.
As always we’d love to hear from you and to know more about your news, celebrations, and stories. Please email us at ResettlementProject@Dumgal.gov.uk if you want to get in touch.
Cultural days in November
Bonfire Night, 5 November
‘Remember, remember the fifth of November…’
So goes the popular rhyme which you might have heard which refers to Bonfire Night in the UK, sometimes called ‘Guy Fawkes Day’. This date commemorates the occasion in 1605 where a man called Guy Fawkes was arrested while attempting to use gunpowder to explode the Houses of Parliament in London in rebellion against the King.
To mark the plot’s failure, the date became an annual celebration where people would build bonfires in the community and burn effigies of Guy Fawkes. This tradition has endured to this day, and you will find many communities across the UK celebrate with a big bonfire and fireworks. It is also common for people to build a “Guy” out of old clothes and other scrap which is then burned on the bonfire.
Bonfire Night celebrations are common in communities, so look out for places local to you which you might be interested in attending. These organised events are generally very safe and people have been specially trained to light the fireworks and the bonfire. There are also sometimes small parties hosted on private land where family and friends come together for their own event.
Please also note that fireworks are extremely common on Bonfire Night. Fireworks produce loud bangs which can be alarming and may cause distress to some people, so it’s worth ensuring that anyone in your household who may be affected has advance warning.
Armistice Day, 11 November
Armistice Day happens each year on 11 November and commemorates people who have lost their lives in armed conflict. The day typically involves a national two minutes of silence at 11:00 am which coincides with the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month; the same time at which peace negotiations during the First World War were finalised.
Armistice day is a sombre and reflective occasion, so it’s important to remember that groups will likely be gathering at war memorials, places of worship, and other public places to reflect on the contributions of friends and loved ones in the armed forces. Some of the people gathering may be in military dress, so please be aware of this if you are concerned this might cause you some distress. It is also typical for people to pin a poppy onto their clothes, as the Royal British Legion sell these badges as part of a fundraising initiative to support ex service men and women; you will likely notice people wearing poppies on their clothes for the majority of the month of November.
It is also typical for community representatives and public officials to ceremoniously lay a “wreath of remembrance” at a war memorial, and this year there will be services held in many key parts of the region, on 11th and also on 12th of November, known as ‘Remembrance Sunday’. Representatives from our New Scots community living in the region will be laying wreaths in Annan, Dumfries, Castle Douglas, and Stranraer. If you are interested in joining in remembrance events for Armistice Day, you should find information about plans local to you through community notices. You may also find that there are public broadcast arrangements on television and radio throughout Armistice Day and ‘Remembrance Sunday’. The broadcast material will have a strong focus on Armed Forces and military scenarios, so please be aware of this if you are concerned this might be a sensitive point for you.
International Day of Islamic Art, 18 November
November 18 is the UNESCO recognised ‘International Day of Islamic Art’. This is an occasion to celebrate and reflect on the many beautiful examples of Islamic art around the world.
An interesting local fact is that in the 1990s archaeologists working at Caerlaverock Castle just outside Dumfries found fragments of glass which have been identified as being part of a vessel dating to the 12th or 13th century. The fragments were inscribed with an Arabic word meaning ‘eternal’ and it is thought that the complete vessel may have had a verse from the Qur’an on it. It’s thought that the vessel could have found it’s way to Dumfries through trade, or perhaps brought back to Scotland by a crusader. Various museums and University Libraries around Scotland have examples of ancient and medieval Islamic art in their collections, but there are also fantastic contemporary Scottish Muslim artists like Raisah Ahmed and Jasleen Kaur who create inspiring and thought provoking works.
St. Andrew’s Day, 30 November
The patron Saint of Scotland is Saint Andrew, whose feast day is celebrated on 30 November each year. Saint Andrew’s Day is typically celebrated as a subtle tribute to Scottish culture so you might notice Saltire flags are hung out, and people may make plans for a traditional Scottish meal with friends and loved ones, while some people may even plan an event like a Ceilidh dance! Saint Andrew’s day is an inclusive and fun excuse to sample some of the typical aspects of Scottish culture. From sweet treats like tablet through to the world infamous “haggis” washed down with a wee drink of whisky (known as a ‘dram’), why not take the chance to try a few examples of Scottish food? Send us your pictures to let us know how you choose to mark Saint Andrew’s Day!
News and Events
Ivan Biriukov: finalist for ‘Sportsperson of the year’ in Dumfries and Galloway Life Awards
The Resettlement Project Team want to say a massive congratulations to young person Ivan Biriukov who has been nominated and is a finalist in the D&G Life Awards for “Sportsperson of the year”!
Ivan has been competing in Taekwondo for many years, and was a Ukraine Champion before moving to Scotland with his family at the start of the conflict; since then he has represented the Scottish National Team in the European championships in Italy, winning a bronze medal, and has gone from strength to strength in his training. At a Scottish open event earlier this year Ivan astonished by winning no less than three gold medals!
A pupil at Dumfries academy, Ivan shows incredible commitment and travels up to four times a week to join his club, RAM Martial Arts in Glasgow for training.
Speaking about his passion for Taekwondo, Ivan said:
“Taekwondo has been more than just a sport for me, it has been a way to overcome the challenges of displacement and create a positive impact.”
The Resettlement Team wish Ivan the very best of luck, and we’re sure that he’ll be adding a “Sportsperson of the year” trophy to his growing collection very soon!
Have your say on the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy
The Scottish Government’s third New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy is being consulted on now! The Strategy aims to support refugees, asylum seekers, and other resettled people on their journey towards integrating into Scottish communities.
Views are being sought to help inform the Strategy and to ensure that the experiences of New Scots are thoroughly reflected throughout, so all New Scots and Resettled people are warmly invited to participate in the upcoming engagement sessions.
If you would like to be part of the discussion and feed in your own experience of integrating into Scottish community life, you can register to attend one of the following sessions using the supplied registration links below:
Tuesday 7 November – Edinburgh (COSLA Conference Centre, 19 Haymarket Yards, Edinburgh EH12 5BH) – register via:
Wednesday 15 November – Online – register via:
Thursday 16 November – Glasgow (Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3NY) – register via:
Please note: The Resettlement Project team may be able to support with travel arrangements or expenses; please get in touch with your Resettlement Worker to discuss if you feel this would be of benefit.
Scottish Inter Faith Week event in Dumfries
Celebrating our communities! Thursday 16th November 2-4pm, Multicultural Centre, High Street, Dumfries
The theme of this year’s event is ‘community’ – that can be the place you’re from, the place you now live, the religious group you are in, your family, your friends or a hobby like an art club. We’re all part of different communities.
So come along to this free event and enjoy tea, coffee and cakes from all around the world – and it would be great if you could bring some of your own to share with others!
We’ll be making a big picture – a collage – of pictures, writings and drawings of our different communities. There will be paper and art materials there for you to make something or you can bring a picture, a poem or a reading with you. It can be in your own language or English – whatever you want!
There will also be a peace prayer tree where you write your prayer for peace in a country or a community on piece of paper and place it on the tree – in the end we will have a picture of all the prayers of people who live here for peace in our world.
Free dental treatment from student dentists in Dumfries
If you are not registered with an NHS dentist, you may be eligible to be considered for free dental treatment by a student dentist or student dental therapist.
Under the strictly controlled supervision of a fully qualified tutor, student dentists and dental therapists from the University of the Highlands and Islands carry out part of their practical training at Dumfries Dental Centre.
Student dentists can offer their treatments for free, with appointments available during term time which falls between September and May.
You can find more information in the leaflet available in the link below, as well as further information and instructions on how to make a self-referral.
Meet some of the Resettlement Project team
Alison, ESOL (English as a Second Language) Support
Hello! I’m Alison Murgatroyd and I have been working with the ESOL sub-team of Lifelong Learning since March.
Prior to that I worked in Annan on a part-time basis as a Community Learning Assistant, helping people with their learning including literacy, numeracy, computing, confidence building, and a Women’s group who would try a variety of opportunities like workshops, talks, walks, visits etc., broadening horizons and sharing and developing skills along the way.
Over the years I’ve built up a large network of contacts in the community and I think working together with partners is very beneficial for everyone!
I am still learning after all these years; “every day is a learning day!” as they say, and I am always ready to take on new challenges and ideas, and to encourage others to do the same.
I am doing language teaching – I have lots of experience as language assistant in a French school! I understand how important it is to learn the language of a host country, to be able to communicate and integrate into the community and make the most of everything that is on offer.
Currently I am learning Scottish Gaelic and have been brave enough to try speaking a little when travelling in northwest Scotland. I find Gaelic speakers are very patient and willing to help!
I love music; I sing in a choir and also am a member of an all-women Samba drumming band! I also enjoy cycling and hillwalking and hope you get a chance to explore some of our beautiful countryside – I just can’t guarantee the weather of course!
Becky, Resettlement Worker, Community Engagement Team
Hello, my name is Becky and I’m one of the Resettlement Project Workers at Dumfries and Galloway Council. I joined the Resettlement Project in June 2022 and my main role is to support Syrians, Afghans and Ukrainians into life in Dumfries and Galloway and more widely in Scotland. Often, a Resettlement Project Worker is the main point of contact for individuals who have enquiries and it’s the role of the Project Worker to assist with the enquiry or refer the individual on to a partner agency for further support.
I really enjoy my job as it’s interesting meeting a variety of different people and learning about other cultures. Since taking up my post I have expanded my usually bland diet by getting to try Ukrainian, Syrian and Afghan food. As with every job it has its own challenges. For example, as workers we communicate with lots of people including individuals who we support and partner organisations. Therefore, good communication skills are necessary for this role.
Outside of work I can often be found watching motorsport on television or on occasion trackside watching the fast cars! To unwind I enjoy taking walks in the country side and eating out with friends.
To reach out to your Project Worker please email communityresettlement@dumgal.gov.uk and your allocated worker will respond to you.
Art supplies getting well used!
A very kind donation of art supplies were donated by a young person to the Oasis Youth Centre in Dumfries, and were passed on to Oleksandra, who is running an art therapy class for resettled women from Ukraine at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries.
Meanwhile, the young people who have been attending the Resettlement Youthwork Team’s regular programme of events have been making some art of their own! See some of the examples of their excellent work below.
The Resettlement Youthwork Team have planned a special series of events which resettled young people (and their friends) can join in each week. These weekly groups are a safe place for young people to come together to participate in activities whilst also making friends, sharing food, and learning about each others’ cultures – whilst also helping others to learn about your culture! See below for the programme.
Groups at the Youth Enquiry Service, DG1 Leisure Centre, Dumfries
Cooking Group: Thursdays 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Take part in cooking recipes from around the world.
Connect: Thursdays 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Take part in celebrating cultures and traditional games, with arts & crafts, dance and music.
Girls Group: Saturdays 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Take part in fun and self-care activities including jewellery making and decorating bags.
Groups at the Oasis Youth Centre, Newall Terrace, Dumfries
Activate: Tuesdays 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Take part in sporting opportunities and accessing sporting venues.
Create: Tuesdays 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Take part in expressive arts including art, dance and music.
Boys Group: Saturdays 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Take part in fun and self-care activities including decorating mugs, making slime and cooking skills.
Youth Council Elections
Elections for the Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council are open – and the deadline for applications has been extended until Wednesday November 8!
The Youth Council is an opportunity for young people aged between 12 and 25 to have their voice heard on key decision making which affects young people locally.
You don’t have to be an outgoing public speaker or be interested in politics to join, but you should be interested in issues affecting young people and helping to make sure a range of youth voices are included in local decision making.
You can find more information by downloading the PDF explainer document below, or go straight to the sign up process if you are interested in being involved in the Youth Council.
