'We want to give something back' - Ukrainian refugees fulfil dream to start their own business
A Ukrainian family who came to Lochgilphead as refugees little more than a year ago have opened a new coffee shop in the town centre.
Inna and Sergey Arnautov say they want to serve and give back to the community which has made them so welcome.
Green Cup Coffee Shop in Colchester Square opened on Saturday as Lochgilphead Celtic and Pictish Festival was in full swing.
The couple and their three children Makar, eight, Yeseniia, six, and Kir, three, moved to Lochgilphead in January last year.
It was time to leave their homeland when Makar started school and most of his days were spent underground, sheltering from the threat of bombs.
Inna, 33, said: “It was a forced leave. My older son started school in Ukraine, primary one. He would spend all his time underground. It was very horrible. We decided we needed to keep our kids safe.
“We had no electricity, no heat. With three kids, we had to take them somewhere safe.
“A friend told us that the Scottish Government was welcoming people from Ukraine. This is how we ended up being here.”
When they first arrived in Scotland on Christmas Eve, the family initially stayed in Oban, before being allocated a home in Lochgilphead by Argyll and Bute Council.
Having arrived with barely any belongings, they met a lot of “fantastic people” in Oban.
Inna said: “A lot of people brought clothes, toys. My daughter was invited to a birthday party which was so lovely. This was people we didn’t know, who wanted to support us.”
The warm welcome continued when the family came to Lochgilphead.
She added: “We love Scotland. Scottish people are the most friendly and welcoming people. Very supportive, very generous, very caring. That really impressed us.
“Actually, we love the weather, the fascinating views. We love swimming in the cold ocean. We have the Black Sea in Ukraine but only here do I actually swim. The water is very inviting. It’s like ice but it gets better once you are in.”
The idea for the name of the shop is because green reminds them of Scotland.
Inna explained: “Scotland is green, it is beautiful with lots of nature. A lot of people were working from home during lockdown. When you chat to people face to face, it’s like green energy.
“On our first day we had a lot of people coming in smiling, people chatting. There has been a lot of support, a lot of positive green energy.
“We have been welcomed by the Scottish people, now we want to serve to the community. This is how we see it.”
Inna Arnautora and Sergey Arnautora outside their Green Cup Coffee Shop in Lochgilphead. Photograph: Rita Campbell
Being a barista is quite a change for Sergey, 32, who made jewellery when he lived in Ukraine. But he loves his new job. Before she had children Inna worked as a restaurant manager.
Inna concluded: “It was very busy on Saturday because of the festival, everyone in the square was very busy.
“Sunday and Monday was calm, we had the chance to talk to everyone and get to know people better.
“We will keep it as a small family café. We plan to stay here in Lochgilphead because we love it, we are settled.
“We feel part of the community and we want to serve it. Sometimes we go to Glasgow for the day but we look forward to coming home to Lochgilphead. We love how quiet it is here.”
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JOBS
Customer Assistant - Foods - Oban - Marks & Spencer
ObanSalary On Application
Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
PA29 6XG£28,322 to £29,436 per annum
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