AS MANY AS 180 people fleeing war-torn Ukraine are projected to arrive in Clackmannanshire, according to council estimates.

The figure will be shared with councillors at a full meeting tomorrow as they receive an update on the Ukraine Displaced Persons (UDP) scheme.

According to a council report, 39 Ukrainian people have already settled in 19 sponsorship homes in the Wee County under Homes for Ukraine – one of three schemes offering a way into Scotland to escape the conflict.

Of that 39, a total of 20 are children under the age of 18.

Sponsors in the scheme are required to complete various identity and property checks, pieces of work which have been led by council services.

Each person arriving is also provided with support by the housing team and education where required.

In the Wee County, 66 households have also expressed an interest as part of the Scottish Government led Super Sponsor Scheme.

Council papers read: “All checks are required to be completed prior to the arrival of Ukrainian families through the Super Sponsor scheme; however, as Ukrainian persons are currently being housed at the welcome hubs there is urgency being placed on councils to complete the required checks so that matching can be completed.

“It is not known at this stage what the potential number of Ukrainian persons being matched to Clackmannanshire properties are; however, projections are that it could be anywhere between 130 and 180 individuals.

“For the purposes of resource and financial planning, costs and assumptions are based in the sections that follow on 130 UDPs including 55 children travelling to Clackmannanshire.”

While checks are expected to be completed “over the coming weeks”, it is expected that longer-term pressure will be placed on housing support and education services to aid families as they integrate into communities.

Indicative costs and income for the scheme have also been summarised with an estimated total income of £1,946,700 from various sources and a total estimated expenditure of just over £1m, which councillors will be asked to agree.

Unallocated funds will be available to cover unforeseen expenditure.

Council documents also acknowledged the “significant amount of work led by the voluntary sector in Clackmannanshire in response to the humanitarian crisis”.

As previously reported, the work is being led by Play Alloa CEO Maria Malcolm, whose father Orest fled from Ukraine to Scotland after WWII, and volunteers at the Wimpy Park Community Group such as Karolina Juszczyck.

On top of managing and organising donations from the Wee County, Maria has also established a weekly drop-in for Ukrainian families.

Council papers added: “These sessions are well attended and families can access sanitary products, toiletries, school uniform and clothing and food.

“These items have been donated by community groups and individuals from across the county who are keen to help support Ukrainian arrivals.”

People looking to support the effort can visit the Clacks Ukraine Support page on Facebook.