Highlands shows solidarity with Ukraine in darkest of times
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A strong message has been sent out to all the 750 Ukrainian refugees in the Highlands that they are very much wanted and welcome here.
At a candlelit vigil, held in Inverness on Friday to mark the first anniversary of the invasion of their country, they were reassured that they may consider themselves Ukrainian Scots if they wish and that they are welcome to try to find a sense of peace, comfort and friendship here and to stay for as long as they want, to try to rebuild their shattered lives.
“The Highlands is your home now too,” Drew Hendry – SNP MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey – told a crowd of several hundred who had gathered at Queen’s Park to hold up candles to help “light to win over the darkness”.
Mr Hendry stressed: “We cannot allow hatred to win; we will not allow hatred to win. We must all stand together against Putin’s hate, in solidarity with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters,” he told the Scots in the audience, to enthusiastic cheers.
The MP also said he wanted to pay tribute to all Highlanders who have generously and selflessly given so much time and effort to ensuring the newest members of our community feel welcome.
“I never fail to be impressed by the warmth and kindness displayed by my fellow Highlanders and I am aware that your efforts don’t go unnoticed or unappreciated by our new Ukrainian friends and neighbours,” he said.
“They find themselves displaced and forced to try to rebuild their lives so far from where they call home, to leave a land they love, to leave family loved ones, friends and even beloved pets, and I assure you I will continue to do all I can to use my position and voice to fight for freedom and independence for Ukraine.”
The vigil had been organised by the charity KSD Highlands for Ukraine with support from Highland Council and High Life Highland and the help of members of the four Rotary clubs of Inverness, led by Derek McRae of the Culloden club.
The charity also had vital last-minute assistance from the pupils and rector John Rutter, of Inverness High School, who stepped in to make safety discs for the 1000 candles that were to be lit when a delivery didn’t get to the Highlands in time.
“Given that it was a bitterly cold night, we didn’t quite reach the 1000 lights we wanted to shine out as far as Moscow but we did a pretty good job of trying,” said Helen MacRae of the charity.
“It was a wonderful effort and great support from so many local people that I know our Ukrainian friends certainly got the message of our dedicated support for them, even if Putin didn’t!”
Among those taking part were several Highland councillors and Inverness Depute Provost Jackie Hendry.
