LAST week, I made a visit to the Ukrainian Club in Edinburgh.

I attended a Home Office-arranged information session at the Ukrainian Club to learn how best to support East Lothian residents who are seeking support to bring family over safely from Ukraine and those who have queries on how to sponsor a Ukrainian fleeing from Russian violence.

Following the visit, I am arranging a virtual emergency advice surgery for any matters relating to Ukraine, taking place on April 15, between 2pm and 3pm.

The situation in Ukraine has touched all of us. The Russian violence led by Vladimir Putin is truly beyond comprehension.

In recent weeks, my constituency office has experienced a surge in enquiries regarding the ongoing situation in Ukraine, ranging from panicked relatives of people desperately trying to flee the war to many members of the community looking for advice on how best they can support Ukrainians on the frontline and those who arrive in East Lothian as refugees.

I attended the Ukrainian Club with my team on Thursday to ensure I have the best information available to me so that I can support any constituent who comes to me with anything relating to the situation in Ukraine.

My team and I came away equipped with new places to signpost to and general advice that we can offer as an MSP which I hope will help people contacting me who have been affected by the ongoing crisis.

I welcome Scotland’s ‘super sponsor’ offer to provide refuge and sanctuary to displaced Ukrainians – the Warm Scots Welcome – which has been up and running since mid-March.

However, the issuing of visas by the UK Home Office remains painfully slow and bureaucratic.

Only 566 Ukrainian refugees have been issued visas for Scottish local authorities under Homes for Ukraine.

Scotland stands in solidarity with Ukrainians. Over £25 million has already been raised in Scotland for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine appeal – including £2 million from the Scottish Government.

If you need any help on matters relating to Ukraine, please do not hesitate to contact my office and we will do all that we can to provide support. Email Paul.McLennan.MSP@Parliament.Scot