Syrian refugee invited to house party on first day in Glasgow

A Syrian refugee has praised the hospitality shown to him in Glasgow after he was invited to a house party in the city.

Ozman, who had recently fled the war-torn nation and had very limited English, was alone and struggling to find his way around when a group of lads took it upon themselves to give him a good-old Scottish welcome.

The gang had been on a night out and were on their way back to a house-party when they met the man who they now consider a friend on Sauchiehall Street.

After a 20-minute chat while waiting on a taxi they invited him to come with them to an 'empty' hosted by three brothers in Coatbridge.

The brothers - Darran, Scott and Pearce - were hosting the after-party at their flat just outside Glasgow, while their mum was out of town for a couple of days.

Ozman agreed and jumped in the taxi before arriving at the party where they all bonded over a bottle of Buckfast and the Syrian even 'chipped in' for something a bit stronger.

At one point Ozman, who they now know as Ozzy, even agreed to book up to join them in a lads holiday to Ibiza.

He partied in to the early hours of the morning and shared stories with the group who were just as chuffed to be meeting him as he was with them.

The 34-year-old revealed he fled Syria after his sister was murdered by a militant group who were terrorising his town.

And he had only just arrived in Glasgow when he came across the big hearted gang who gave him a glimpse of the famous Glasgow spirit.

Ozman says it was a night that he will 'never forget' for the rest of his life.

He says he is 'thankful for Glasgow' being so welcoming to a stranger.

And his new friends say he is now considered 'one of the troops' and will be welcomed back anytime.

Scott Starrs said: "You think you've seen it all and your brother brings home a refugee.. to be fair some of the burds he's brought back have been worse."

Then Darran Starrs wrote: "My mum says don't have anyone back, how are we meant to explain this one."

And Pearce Starrs, who was still buzzing from the night, said: "Ozzy is the man, he even chipped in for gear.

"He is coming to Ibiza with us."

The post was first posted on the Glasgow Gospel Facebook page in April, and some of the comments left readers in stitches.

One man thought the hospitality wasn't quite up to much.

He said "Bucky shots? Sake that's a bit miserable is it not? A bottle only costs about £8."

Another joked: "He must have saw the state of Moodiesburn and thought; 'I'll take my chances in Syria'.

Stevie Fleming nailed possibly the best comment on the night with "From Fleein a Civil War tae just Fleein."

There was plenty of Glasgow pride in the comments as well with one saying: "Everyone is welcome in Glasgow." and "Scotland is hands down the funniest country ever."

But others seemed less impressed.

One wrote: "They gave him Buckie out of a lid and some stuff on a plate to snort?

"Looks like stolen scampi fries in the background, bet he called home and said these guys are messed up idiots get me away from Glasgow.

"Horrible at least they where their version of nice to the guy."

Another said: "Who takes a random Syrian back to your gaff? h

"He could be anybody."

But Davie ended things with a touch of humour, saying "Sick of these refugees coming over here and sniffing aw the patsys."