Woodside Parish Church of Scotland in Aberdeen are working with a group of Syrian Scots and new refugees to help them learn new skills and integrate better into their new community.

The team from Woodside, under the leadership of elder June Smith (pictured second from the right), with the support of their minister, the Rev Markus Auffermann, and the help of other local, student and church volunteers meet twice a week in the church halls to teach the Syrian Scots English, run a crèche for their children and feed them. The Syrians have praised their welcome from people in Aberdeen.

In October the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, George Adam, visited the church and spent a large part of an afternoon with the Syrians and the volunteers, and in November the Lord Provost presented Miss Smith with a Community Star award.