New Scots enjoy a warm welcome at a ceilidh dance

Refugees and asylum seekers who have made Scotland their new home were given a real taste of local culture with a twist.

Some 78 participants from more than 12 countries including Syria, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Yemen, Iraq and Iran took part in the New Scots Ceilidh Celebration.

They enjoyed learning traditional Scottish dances such as the Gay Gordons, the Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow to cheerful and lively music as part of a programme to help make them feel welcome, safe and included in society.

The news comes as Scotland celebrates Refugee Week (16-22 June) the world's largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

The event at Charlotte Chapel Church in Edinburgh also featured Scots poems, a Robert Burns reading in Ukrainian and Syrian pastries and Ukrainian desserts were among the refreshments served.

It was organised by Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees (SFAR) a multi-faith partnership project which seeks to co-ordinate and promote action by faith communities in Scotland to support asylum seekers and refugees.

The Welcome, Edinburgh City Mission and Edinburgh Ukrainian Association also played essential roles and funding was provided by the Edinburgh 900 fund to celebrate the city's rich tradition of welcoming new people.

Welcoming the stranger

Supported by 35 volunteers and staff, participants overwhelmingly said ceilidh dancing was their favourite part of the afternoon, which finished with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne, a well-known Scottish song traditionally sung during significant occasions to signify farewell and remembrance of the past.

One attendee said: "I had no idea where I was going, my friend invited me the last moment, but I had a great time.

"Culture, traditions, unity and joy, all of that was mixed and presented so well and it made my day."

Christians believe in welcoming the stranger as we are all made in God's image and Jesus Christ himself was a refugee.

The narrative in Matthew 2:13-15 describes how Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus were forced to leave Bethlehem and seek refuge in Egypt to avoid King Herod's massacre of male babies.

SFAR co-ordinator Esther Rowan Moodie said: "The New Scots Ceilidh was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with people who have come to Scotland and made Edinburgh their home.

"Participants from a wide range of backgrounds were eager not only to learn about Scottish traditions but also to share their own.

"Moving to a new country can often be a lonely or isolating experience, especially for those seeking asylum in the UK.

"For one afternoon, people were able to set their worries aside to eat, dance and joyfully celebrate together.

"We are so grateful to the church for hosting us and for the amazing volunteers who made it happen."

The event was held on 31 May.

A celebration of humanity

Established in 2015, SFAR builds on our common values of hospitality and the inherent dignity of each individual.

It demonstrates that by working together for the common good, by putting aside prejudices and agreeing to cross barriers of culture, language, religion and nationality, that faith communities can play a crucial role in making Scotland a welcoming country for refugees.

The Church of Scotland is in favour of the UK Government creating an asylum system that is compassionate, effective and fair.

More than 150 events are being held as part of Refugee Festival Scotland, which takes place from 13-22 June.

The festival is a celebration of the food and drink, music and poetry, art, dance, language and ideas that people bring with them when they settle in Scotland.