Colin Macfarlane
@cmacf76.bsky.social
Policy, comms, external affairs leader. Social justice and human rights campaigner. Throw in a bit of books, running, Kylie and Doctor Who and we’re good to go. Padam!
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
A special parliamentary reception marked 40 years of our work, and showcased a specially commissioned exhibition of portraits celebrating people who have rebuilt their lives in Scotland. Thank you @humzayousaf.bsky.social for sponsoring the event.
Portraits of resilience: marking 40 years of Scottish Refugee Council
A special parliamentary reception marked forty years of Scottish Refugee Council, bringing together supporters, partners and parliamentarians to look...
scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk
November 19, 2025 at 11:05 AM
A special parliamentary reception marked 40 years of our work, and showcased a specially commissioned exhibition of portraits celebrating people who have rebuilt their lives in Scotland. Thank you @humzayousaf.bsky.social for sponsoring the event.
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
"I arrived here as a child refugee — now I’m a chef at Michelin-star restaurants"
Delighted to see our friend Nestor featured in today's Standard. What a superstar 🌟
www.standard.co.uk/news/nestor-...
Delighted to see our friend Nestor featured in today's Standard. What a superstar 🌟
www.standard.co.uk/news/nestor-...
‘I arrived here as a child refugee — now I’m a chef at Michelin-star restaurants’
As This Day donates £900K to our campaign taking the total raised to £1.4M, we reveal how the Scottish Refugee Council helped an unaccompanied child who came with nothing
www.standard.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 2:23 PM
"I arrived here as a child refugee — now I’m a chef at Michelin-star restaurants"
Delighted to see our friend Nestor featured in today's Standard. What a superstar 🌟
www.standard.co.uk/news/nestor-...
Delighted to see our friend Nestor featured in today's Standard. What a superstar 🌟
www.standard.co.uk/news/nestor-...
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
People in Scotland want an asylum system that is controlled, that they have confidence in, and that shows compassion.
The Home Secretary’s proposals do none of these things.
We need a humane, effective and efficient system 🧡
Read our full response: ow.ly/Er6w50Xublv
The Home Secretary’s proposals do none of these things.
We need a humane, effective and efficient system 🧡
Read our full response: ow.ly/Er6w50Xublv
November 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM
People in Scotland want an asylum system that is controlled, that they have confidence in, and that shows compassion.
The Home Secretary’s proposals do none of these things.
We need a humane, effective and efficient system 🧡
Read our full response: ow.ly/Er6w50Xublv
The Home Secretary’s proposals do none of these things.
We need a humane, effective and efficient system 🧡
Read our full response: ow.ly/Er6w50Xublv
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
We're welcoming visitors to our stall at Scottish Parliament.
We'll be here for the next few days.
Pop down and pay us a visit! 💛
We'll be here for the next few days.
Pop down and pay us a visit! 💛
November 18, 2025 at 12:17 PM
We're welcoming visitors to our stall at Scottish Parliament.
We'll be here for the next few days.
Pop down and pay us a visit! 💛
We'll be here for the next few days.
Pop down and pay us a visit! 💛
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
This evening, we’ll be sharing a very special collection of portraits at an event in the Scottish Parliament.
These beautiful photographs, taken by Angela Catlin, capture the strength, courage and resilience of people rebuilding their lives in Scotland.
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These beautiful photographs, taken by Angela Catlin, capture the strength, courage and resilience of people rebuilding their lives in Scotland.
1/2
November 18, 2025 at 7:28 AM
This evening, we’ll be sharing a very special collection of portraits at an event in the Scottish Parliament.
These beautiful photographs, taken by Angela Catlin, capture the strength, courage and resilience of people rebuilding their lives in Scotland.
1/2
These beautiful photographs, taken by Angela Catlin, capture the strength, courage and resilience of people rebuilding their lives in Scotland.
1/2
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
Refugees bring opportunities and often turn their own experiences of suffering and loss into hope for others. Nahid's story is one of courage, resilience and hope.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Entrepreneurial refugee says 'thank you UK' for giving family sanctuary
Since settling in North Yorkshire, Nahid Hamidi has set up a pop-up restaurant and helps other refugees.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Refugees bring opportunities and often turn their own experiences of suffering and loss into hope for others. Nahid's story is one of courage, resilience and hope.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
Our CEO Sabir spoke with BBC Radio Scotland about the UK Government’s proposal to move people seeking asylum to disused military barracks in Inverness.
He highlighted that this is yet another short-term measure for a system that urgently needs long-term, humane reform.
He highlighted that this is yet another short-term measure for a system that urgently needs long-term, humane reform.
October 29, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Our CEO Sabir spoke with BBC Radio Scotland about the UK Government’s proposal to move people seeking asylum to disused military barracks in Inverness.
He highlighted that this is yet another short-term measure for a system that urgently needs long-term, humane reform.
He highlighted that this is yet another short-term measure for a system that urgently needs long-term, humane reform.
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
Really important NYT investigation finds that the ADF has been working with Reform, 'courting the party since at least 2024' and that the British arm 'orchestrated Mr Farage’s appearance in Congress, reaching out to ask if he would like to give evidence on censorship'
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/w...
They Helped Topple Roe v. Wade. Now Their Sights Are Set on Britain.
www.nytimes.com
October 13, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Really important NYT investigation finds that the ADF has been working with Reform, 'courting the party since at least 2024' and that the British arm 'orchestrated Mr Farage’s appearance in Congress, reaching out to ask if he would like to give evidence on censorship'
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/w...
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
We stand in solidarity with people seeking safety and against acts of violence and intimidation taking place in parts of the country.
Times are tough but people fleeing war and persecution are not to blame for Scotland’s problems. Everyone deserves to be safe and feel like they belong.
Times are tough but people fleeing war and persecution are not to blame for Scotland’s problems. Everyone deserves to be safe and feel like they belong.
September 12, 2025 at 1:06 PM
We stand in solidarity with people seeking safety and against acts of violence and intimidation taking place in parts of the country.
Times are tough but people fleeing war and persecution are not to blame for Scotland’s problems. Everyone deserves to be safe and feel like they belong.
Times are tough but people fleeing war and persecution are not to blame for Scotland’s problems. Everyone deserves to be safe and feel like they belong.
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
Some politicians are using lies about asylum hotels to stir up fear and division in our communities.
The truth is, we all deserve to be safe and to feel like we belong.
#AyeWelcomeRefugees
The truth is, we all deserve to be safe and to feel like we belong.
#AyeWelcomeRefugees
September 2, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Some politicians are using lies about asylum hotels to stir up fear and division in our communities.
The truth is, we all deserve to be safe and to feel like we belong.
#AyeWelcomeRefugees
The truth is, we all deserve to be safe and to feel like we belong.
#AyeWelcomeRefugees
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
Cutting family reunion routes is heartless. For many, it’s the only safe route to be reunited with loved ones. Removing it pushes people into the hands of smugglers and perilous journeys. We need policies rooted in compassion, not cruelty. #FamiliesBelongTogether 🧡
share.google/HPpDrPZ51h94...
share.google/HPpDrPZ51h94...
Home secretary suspends refugee family reunion applications until new, tighter rules are put in place – as it happened
Yvette Cooper says rules were designed years ago to help families separated by war but are being used in a different way now
share.google
September 2, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Cutting family reunion routes is heartless. For many, it’s the only safe route to be reunited with loved ones. Removing it pushes people into the hands of smugglers and perilous journeys. We need policies rooted in compassion, not cruelty. #FamiliesBelongTogether 🧡
share.google/HPpDrPZ51h94...
share.google/HPpDrPZ51h94...
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
Our Head of Guardianship Scotland, Catriona MacSween, explains how our service, in partnership with @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social, helps children feeling danger to find sanctuary in Scotland: https://www.aberlour.org.uk/news-item/blog-we-are-not-their-voice-but-make-sure-their-voice-is-heard
September 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Our Head of Guardianship Scotland, Catriona MacSween, explains how our service, in partnership with @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social, helps children feeling danger to find sanctuary in Scotland: https://www.aberlour.org.uk/news-item/blog-we-are-not-their-voice-but-make-sure-their-voice-is-heard
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
The path to safety is not paved with fear. It’s built through compassion. Over the past few weeks, like many others, I’ve felt the personal and professional weight of rising anti-refugee sentiment. When one community lives in fear, we all live in fear. This moment calls for courage and leadership.
August 29, 2025 at 5:10 PM
The path to safety is not paved with fear. It’s built through compassion. Over the past few weeks, like many others, I’ve felt the personal and professional weight of rising anti-refugee sentiment. When one community lives in fear, we all live in fear. This moment calls for courage and leadership.
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
Thanks to @scotnational.bsky.social for bucking the trend and sharing positive stories about the people behind the statistics
10 years since the first Syrian refugees arrived in Bute, it has become a home for people who fled war
🗣️'My best time I spent here, with very good people'
Read the full story: www.thenational.scot/politics/254...
🗣️'My best time I spent here, with very good people'
Read the full story: www.thenational.scot/politics/254...
August 26, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Thanks to @scotnational.bsky.social for bucking the trend and sharing positive stories about the people behind the statistics
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
These groups are the experts on how we combat the awful reality of violence against women and girls: Rape Crisis, Women's Aid, The End Violence Against Women Coalition, and many more.
Their warnings are ones we have to listen to.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Their warnings are ones we have to listen to.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Warning far-right has ‘hijacked’ women’s safety for political gain
More than 100 groups urge PM to take ‘urgent action’ to prevent misinformation of VAWG
www.independent.co.uk
August 22, 2025 at 3:44 PM
These groups are the experts on how we combat the awful reality of violence against women and girls: Rape Crisis, Women's Aid, The End Violence Against Women Coalition, and many more.
Their warnings are ones we have to listen to.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Their warnings are ones we have to listen to.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
We’re holding free, multilingual info sessions for refugees struggling to find accommodation after getting refugee status in Scotland.
People in unsuitable temporary accommodation or experiencing homelessness can join us on Zoom to learn about their housing rights and options.
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People in unsuitable temporary accommodation or experiencing homelessness can join us on Zoom to learn about their housing rights and options.
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August 20, 2025 at 6:12 PM
We’re holding free, multilingual info sessions for refugees struggling to find accommodation after getting refugee status in Scotland.
People in unsuitable temporary accommodation or experiencing homelessness can join us on Zoom to learn about their housing rights and options.
1/3
People in unsuitable temporary accommodation or experiencing homelessness can join us on Zoom to learn about their housing rights and options.
1/3
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
Proud to support the campaign by @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social to show that Scotland is proud to welcome refugees.
Join me in being #PartofTheBiggerPicture, and together let’s make Scotland a more welcoming and inclusive place. 💛🌍
Join me in being #PartofTheBiggerPicture, and together let’s make Scotland a more welcoming and inclusive place. 💛🌍
August 14, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Proud to support the campaign by @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social to show that Scotland is proud to welcome refugees.
Join me in being #PartofTheBiggerPicture, and together let’s make Scotland a more welcoming and inclusive place. 💛🌍
Join me in being #PartofTheBiggerPicture, and together let’s make Scotland a more welcoming and inclusive place. 💛🌍
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
We're delighted to have Scotland's First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social supporting our #partofthebiggerpicture campaign!
Show your support for people seeking safety by wearing an 'Aye Welcome Refugees' t-shirt!
👕 ow.ly/wfyN50WtjiA
Show your support for people seeking safety by wearing an 'Aye Welcome Refugees' t-shirt!
👕 ow.ly/wfyN50WtjiA
Proud to support the campaign by @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social to show that Scotland is proud to welcome refugees.
Join me in being #PartofTheBiggerPicture, and together let’s make Scotland a more welcoming and inclusive place. 💛🌍
Join me in being #PartofTheBiggerPicture, and together let’s make Scotland a more welcoming and inclusive place. 💛🌍
August 14, 2025 at 11:18 AM
We're delighted to have Scotland's First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social supporting our #partofthebiggerpicture campaign!
Show your support for people seeking safety by wearing an 'Aye Welcome Refugees' t-shirt!
👕 ow.ly/wfyN50WtjiA
Show your support for people seeking safety by wearing an 'Aye Welcome Refugees' t-shirt!
👕 ow.ly/wfyN50WtjiA
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
✊ We have joined over 200 organisations in standing in solidarity with those affected by the recent anti-refugee protests - many of whom have already fled unimaginable horrors in search of safety.
🔗 Read more: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
#TogetherWithRefugees @refugeestogether.bsky.social
🔗 Read more: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
#TogetherWithRefugees @refugeestogether.bsky.social
UK party leaders urged to end ‘pernicious currents’ of hatred fuelling anti-migrant protests
More than 200 refugee groups, charities and unions sign letter calling for action after weeks of protests outside asylum hotels
www.theguardian.com
August 12, 2025 at 9:42 AM
✊ We have joined over 200 organisations in standing in solidarity with those affected by the recent anti-refugee protests - many of whom have already fled unimaginable horrors in search of safety.
🔗 Read more: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
#TogetherWithRefugees @refugeestogether.bsky.social
🔗 Read more: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
#TogetherWithRefugees @refugeestogether.bsky.social
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
The world has been pretty crap this yr so I'm taking part in some fun stuff for charity. In 2 weeks I'll be Zipsliding the Clyde in support of @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social
#Partofthebiggerpicture 🧩
www.justgiving.com/page/tammi-g...
#Partofthebiggerpicture 🧩
www.justgiving.com/page/tammi-g...
Tammi's fundraiser for Scottish Refugee Council
Help Tammi Gaw raise money to support Scottish Refugee Council
www.justgiving.com
August 11, 2025 at 8:23 PM
The world has been pretty crap this yr so I'm taking part in some fun stuff for charity. In 2 weeks I'll be Zipsliding the Clyde in support of @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social
#Partofthebiggerpicture 🧩
www.justgiving.com/page/tammi-g...
#Partofthebiggerpicture 🧩
www.justgiving.com/page/tammi-g...
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
🎤 New episode!🎤 with @timhopkins.bsky.social and @jena.ng on the history of #LGBT+ rights in Scotland 🌈
✊🏼 the 1980s campaign against Section 28
⚖️ the ECHR's role in securing rights in the 1990s
🏳️⚧️ the future struggle for trans rights in the UK
🎧 Have a listen here: pnc.st/s/lawmanity
✊🏼 the 1980s campaign against Section 28
⚖️ the ECHR's role in securing rights in the 1990s
🏳️⚧️ the future struggle for trans rights in the UK
🎧 Have a listen here: pnc.st/s/lawmanity
August 8, 2025 at 8:58 AM
🎤 New episode!🎤 with @timhopkins.bsky.social and @jena.ng on the history of #LGBT+ rights in Scotland 🌈
✊🏼 the 1980s campaign against Section 28
⚖️ the ECHR's role in securing rights in the 1990s
🏳️⚧️ the future struggle for trans rights in the UK
🎧 Have a listen here: pnc.st/s/lawmanity
✊🏼 the 1980s campaign against Section 28
⚖️ the ECHR's role in securing rights in the 1990s
🏳️⚧️ the future struggle for trans rights in the UK
🎧 Have a listen here: pnc.st/s/lawmanity
Come join my External Affairs team! More details below. 👇🏻👇🏻
💬We’re looking for a new Media & Communications Manager to join our passionate team. If you're a strategic communicator who believes in justice, inclusion, and the power of storytelling, we’d love to hear from you! 🤳Find out more & apply:
ow.ly/V6QA50WwQu6
ow.ly/V6QA50WwQu6
July 30, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Come join my External Affairs team! More details below. 👇🏻👇🏻
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
🚨 We're looking for two experienced, compassionate leaders to help shape vital work supporting people rebuilding their lives in Scotland. Find out more and apply now 👉 ow.ly/lJIy50WrR4a
July 24, 2025 at 6:20 PM
🚨 We're looking for two experienced, compassionate leaders to help shape vital work supporting people rebuilding their lives in Scotland. Find out more and apply now 👉 ow.ly/lJIy50WrR4a
Reposted by Colin Macfarlane
Registration for tomorrow morning's free housing info session for new refugees closes at 3pm today. Please help spread the word with anyone who might find it useful 👇
Register here: tinyurl.com/beu6scv9
Register here: tinyurl.com/beu6scv9
July 23, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Registration for tomorrow morning's free housing info session for new refugees closes at 3pm today. Please help spread the word with anyone who might find it useful 👇
Register here: tinyurl.com/beu6scv9
Register here: tinyurl.com/beu6scv9