It’s been another busy year at Scottish Refugee Council. Let’s look back at some key moments from 2025.
January
We launched an improved New Scots Connect Map of refugee-supporting groups across Scotland, making it easier for people to find help in their local area.
We also teamed up with Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries to hold a free exhibition of New Scots Portraits. This uplifting collection of pictures by award-winning photojournalist Angela Catlin features people rebuilding their lives in Scotland.
February
New polling figures revealed that 62% of Scots back the right to work for people seeking asylum. Currently, you are not allowed to work until you receive refugee status, which can take months, even years.
The UK government announced changes to citizenship rules, making it almost impossible for those arriving in the UK by dangerous journeys to become British citizens. Our chief executive, Sabir Zazai described the move as “disastrous.”
He added: “Seeking refugee protection is not as simple as applying for a travel visa or getting on a plane. People forced to flee war and persecution face very difficult and desperate choices, often risking their lives because there are no legitimate ways to seek safety. This should not prevent them from having the same rights as other refugees.”
March
A new report found that our Family Rights Service provides a vital lifeline for asylum-seeking parents and children. The evaluation found our specialist support helps families better understand the asylum system, reduces trauma, and in some cases, even saves lives.
We welcomed more than 400 people to Scotland’s biggest ever refugee job fair at Glasgow City Chambers on 20 March.
When the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, came to Scotland, we arranged for him to meet with New Scots advisors to learn how people from refugee backgrounds are shaping the decisions which affect them.
As the financial year came to an end, we reflected on what we have achieved together. Between April 2024 and March 2025, we helped more than 10,700 people from 113 countries rebuild their lives in Scotland.
April
Huge thanks to everyone who made our 40th anniversary ceilidh at the Barony Hall in Glasgow a massive success. The event raised more than £12,800 in support of our work.
On Sunday, 27 April, 15 Scottish Refugee Council staff and volunteers took on the Kiltwalk in aid of people seeking safety. Our team trekked 22.7 miles from Glasgow Green to Balloch, raising more than £2,700.
May
We launched a new guide to help people who have been refused asylum understand their rights and plan their next steps.
In response to the growing housing crisis, we also started a series of online information sessions for people struggling to find settled accommodation after getting refugee status in Scotland.
A team of 42 runners took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival in aid of Scottish Refugee Council, raising over £15,200!
And we celebrated an inspiring group of community leaders as they graduated from our fourth New Scots Leadership Programme watched on by friends and family at an event in Civic House.
June
Refugee Festival Scotland 2025 brought thousands of people from different backgrounds together in celebration with more than 160 events showcasing art, culture and community.
We rewarded responsible reporting on refugee and asylum issues at our annual Media Awards.
On World Refugee Day (20 June) people across Scotland showed their support for people seeking safety on social media.
Thanks so much to our festival ambassadors for helping to raise awareness and understanding by sharing their stories.
July
On 31 July, Scottish Refugee Council turned 40. Our chief executive, Sabir Zazai reflected on four decades of helping refugees rebuild their lives.
Visit our timeline to find out more about the history of refugees in Scotland over the last 40 years. And take a trip down memory lane with our digital scrapbook.
August
In response to anti-immigration protests in parts of the country, we worked with The National on a ‘Refugees Welcome’ series. Articles included 10 ways to tackle anti-refugee sentiment in Scotland.
Throughout the summer, communities across Scotland showed support and solidarity for people seeking safety by joining our Part of the Bigger Picture campaign, which raised more than £19,100.
September
We welcomed lots of MPs to our Celebration of Refugee Integration reception with Refugee Council and Welsh Refugee Council at Westminster.
And we launched a new guide, filled with expert guidance and information, for people seeking asylum in Scotland.
October
The UK government announced shocking proposals to house people seeking asylum in disused military barracks in Inverness.
A network of organisations working in the Highlands issued a joint statement pledging support for people seeking asylum and local communities.
And the October edition of Third Force News, focussed on ‘building a movement of hope’ to stop the rise of the far-right.
November
Eight of Scottish comedy’s brightest stars came together to show their support for refugees at a special show, which raised more than £11,600 for our work.
The Home Secretary announced a series of sweeping immigration measures inspired by the ‘Danish model.’ Our chief executive, Sabir Zazai spoke out against these proposals, warning that adopting the tone of the far right was both morally wrong and socially dangerous.
And we welcomed friends from across the country to a 40th anniversary reception at the Scottish Parliament, hosted by Humza Yousaf in celebration of New Scots.
December
As winter approached, we launched an appeal to support people rebuilding their lives in Scotland. Please consider making a donation to help someone start again in safety.
Don’t forget to visit our festive shop for cards and gifts. And get your winter raffle tickets for the chance to win a luxury glamping get-away for two.
Dozens of MSPs have taken our pledge to detoxify the debate around immigration. They have committed to avoid dehumanising language and speak about refugees and people seeking asylum with dignity and respect.
We’re also urging people to ask their MP to choose compassion, not cruelty and oppose the Home Secretary’s harsh new immigration plans in favour of an asylum system we can have confidence in. One that is controlled, compassionate and rooted in common sense. Take action today.
Images by Becky Duncan, Angela Catlin, Sadia Sikindar, Polina Perfilieva, Chak Hin Leung, Najma Abukar and Scottish Refugee Council staff and volunteers.
