Thousands raised online for stranded Iranian-born Scottish vet

Thousands of pounds have been raised to help an Iranian-born Scottish veterinarian who was left stranded in Costa Rica following Trump's executive order.

Hamaseh Tayari, who grew up in Italy and works at the University of Glasgow and holds an Iranian passport, was on holiday with her boyfriend in the Costa Rica when the travel ban was issued. Her return flight was set to transit through New York and then on to Glasgow.

“In my passport I have a regular transit visa for the USA, but they told me the visa is not any more valid," she told the BBC. Booking another flight cost her £2,600, leaving her with concerns about being able to pay for "rent, bills and food."

After hearing about her situation, a woman, Kathleen Caskie, set up an account on gofundme.com calling for donations.

“When the story came out that this woman in Scotland was affected, I wanted to show that people shouldn’t be treated in this way,” she told the i newspaper.

“We won’t stand for Trump treating people like that and we will send a message that he won’t stop people who live in our country from getting back here. She must have felt so lonely.  At least now she’s got a sense that people care for her, that people are standing in solidarity with her.

“It’s abhorrent and unacceptable.”

Currently, more then £5,000 has been raised. All money that goes over the amount needed by Tayari will go to the Scottish Refugee Council.