Ukrainians from strath to take part in candlelit vigil one year on from Russia's invasion
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Ukrainians from across Badenoch and Strathspey, along with their hosts, are preparing to take part in a candlelit vigil to mark the anniversary of the Russian invasion of their country.
Even though they are safe here in Scotland, Ukrainians are terrified of what President Putin and his troops might unleash on their close family and friends left in their homeland once tomorrow (Friday) arrives.
To help them feel supported and cared for, a local charity has arranged a silent candlelit vigil in the capital of the Highlands at 7.30pm that night.
Highland Council, which is supporting the event, is arranging for all Ukrainians in Badenoch and Strathspey to receive invitations to the vigil and the local authority is providing buses and coaches to allow those Ukrainians living in hotels in Aviemore and Coylumbridge to get to and from the Inverness event.
One of those who has brought his children to the Highlands for safety is the Brazilian Consul for Dnipro region, Oleg Vasylenko.
He is urging everyone from across all areas of the Highlands to show their support for their new Ukrainian neighbours by travelling to Queen’s Park, in Inverness – next to Inverness Leisure Centre – tomorrow evening to take part in the vigil.
Mr Vasylenko, who has helped local charity Highlands for Ukraine prepare for the event, said: “The people here are very sympathetic to us and are doing everything possible to help Ukraine in this terrible war and also all its citizens who have found refuge in the hospitable Highlands.”
He is asking Highlanders to do their best to try to attend the vigil and urged: “Support us in our national tragedy, which was brought to our long-suffering land by ruthless Moscovites.
"Tomorrow night, together with the people of the Highlands, we will express our position against the genocide of the Ukrainian people.”
Mr Vasylenko will be one of the speakers who will address the vigil.
It will begin at 7.30pm and everyone is being encouraged to wrap up well in case it’s cold and to bring mobile phones to use as torches to light up the darkness, although there will be 1,000 candles available as well to hand out to adults taking part.
Anyone with a Ukrainian flag or who would like to make a sign of support for Ukraine is invited to bring that along too.
Most of the war refugees taken in by Highland Council live in the Aviemore area and are being accommodate at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and the Colyumbridge Hotel. Official numbers have not been released but it is understood that the figure is around 200 people.
