People are being invited to light a candle or shine a light on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
People in the Highlands are getting ready to stand with Ukraine on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion.
A candlelit silent vigil in Inverness on February 24 aims to show support for the 750 Ukrainians who have come to the Highlands to seek safety for themselves and their children and protection from horrendous conditions prevailing in Ukraine.
The organisers of the event, at 7pm at Queen’s Park in the Bught area, are inviting people to light up the night with a a candle or mobile phone torch in the hope that “light will win over darkness”.
People who cannot attend are invited to light a candle wherever they happen to be that evening.
Helen MacRae, of the charity Highlands for Ukraine, said conditions in Ukraine in the last few months had worsened for many with the heightened threat of random missile attacks and lack of power and water becoming a daily reality for more than half the population.
Many felt there was no alternative but to bring their children to the sanctuary of the north of Scotland.
“It is fitting therefore to use this date, the anniversary of the attack, to offer a public show of support, not only for the many Ukrainians who have come to seek shelter here among us but also to let them know we are solidly with the family and friends – husbands, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters – they have left behind trying to defend their homeland,” she said.
“This is not a war, it was an invasion which began a year ago next Friday so we would like shine some light onto what are now very dark times for Ukrainians. None of us can really contemplate adequately what they are going through and a little support will surely go a long way towards letting them know they are not alone.
“It is probably more important now than ever to show our care and support for what our Ukrainian Highlanders are having to go through as they are beginning to suffer quite acutely because of the amount of time that they have been under oppression.”
Ms MacRae added: “We are confident that the Highlands, with its unprecedented reputation for hospitality to other nations, particularly those suffering repression, will stand with our Ukrainian guests next Friday.
“Let’s light up the Highlands for Ukraine.”
Highland Council and High Life Highland are supporting the vigil.
