On Saturday 27 September, we set off with 45 members of Edinburgh’s Ukrainian community for a trip to Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The idea was simple, to give people a chance to step away from daily challenges, spend time together, and enjoy one of Britain’s most beautiful spots. Thanks to careful planning, the trip ran smoothly, leaving plenty of space for people to simply enjoy being together.
This was a pilot outing for the Ukrainian community, and we weren’t sure how much interest there would be. To our delight, every single place was booked, showing just how valuable days like this can be.
Why trips like this matter
We live in a world where communities can easily become isolated or divided. For people arriving in Scotland as New Scots, that sense of separation can feel even stronger. At The Welcoming, we believe the best way to change that is through real connection, bringing people together to share experiences, make friends and feel part of their community.
Outings like this may seem small, but they create the kind of memories and bonds that make people feel they belong. That’s the heart of community cohesion, and it’s why we’ll keep creating opportunities for people to come together, no matter where they’ve come from.
Watch the video
The best part of the day wasn’t the castle or the scenery – it was hearing from the people themselves about what the trip meant to them. You can watch their reflections in the video below:
Looking forward
This outing focused on the Ukrainian community, but it’s just the beginning. We’ll be planning more trips and activities that bring together New Scots from all backgrounds, helping to build friendships and stronger communities across Edinburgh.
As our CEO Tesfu Gessesse said after the trip:
“It was a wonderful reminder of the difference we can make when we work together with purpose.”
In a world that often feels fractured, days like this remind us what’s possible when we connect – and why it matters more than ever.
