The flight of refugees from war-torn countries in the Middle East has dominated headlines and government business all over Europe. In Shetland, many members of the community have become involved in putting together various forms of assistance for those who find themselves forced to flee from the terrors in their homelands.
Shetland has a long tradition of generosity towards the less fortunate; indeed the islands took in many refugees from occupied Norway during the Second World War. Islanders frequently raise more money per head of population than any other part of Britain for charitable appeals such as BBC Children in Need, and the response to the current crisis is no different. A Facebook page, Shetland Solidarity with Refugees, attracted well over 1,000 supporters in its first few hours.