Badenoch and Strathspey stands with independent Ukraine

The Ukrainian flag stands proudly alongside the Scottish saltire in the centre of the capital of Strathspey.

Bill Sadler, of Grantown Initiative, was given the unanimous approval of the town's community council to fly the flag for the freedom fighters of Kyiv and beyond as Putin's merciless war crime continued this week.

Meanwhile, Aviemore's Highland Council convener Bill Lobban announced that the council would be discussing how best the Highlands could help the free Ukrainians in their desperate plight at a meeting next week.

Throughout the strath, people are coming forward with clothing and provisions for sending off to the battered former soviet republic which is determined not to become one again under the Russian jackboot.

Open Arms Community Support, based at Kincraig, entered its fifth day of collecting with ever more bags being left at an increasing number of collection points.

"Car loads are daily delivered," said Michaela Street, one of the organisers.

"I think we have hit 15 loads this morning. Local people are all amazing and we thank them for their support."

Drop-off points, where the group' assigned volunteers will take in the offerings, are now at:

The Coffee Pot, Aviemore

Spey Valley Hardware, Aviemore

The Pine Marten Bar and Scran, Glenmore

Grantown Diner, Grantown

Ample Vella salon, High Street, Kingussie

Kingussie High School.

Michaela stressed the items most needed include:

Baby boxes, baby milk, baby food, nappies, baby wipes. Sanitary products. Brand new underwear plus socks.

Dry milk.

Plasters (most first aid items).

Batteries, torches, wind-up torches, flasks.

Toiletries. antibiotic gels;

Bottles of water (small size), blankets of any size.

Handwash gel/powder for clothes. Hats, scarves, gloves.

Tinned, packet food.

Sleeping Bags. Colouring pads, pencils.

"Please bag or box items."

Another effort has been set up at Aviemore. Alice Bailey posted on Aviemore and Spey Valley Community Issues Forum, that another collection point for donations of all kinds has been set up at 17 Burnside:

"We realise that not everybody will have a bag or box full so we will except single items even as small as a toothbrush and we will box up.

"Donations excepted any time if van open drop in or in porch which is open. Thanks for your responses."

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