RSS Press releases

Wednesday 24 August marks Ukrainian Independence Day, normally celebrated with national food, costume and dancing.

It will however very different this year, and so local partners in the Dumfries and Galloway Community Planning Partnership are showing their support in a number of different ways.

Ukrainian flags will be flown on civic buildings in Annan, Dumfries, Kirkcudbright and Stranraer and the Council Offices will be lit blue and yellow. 

Messages will be shared on social media, and we are suggesting that local citizens and Guests could make their own blue and yellow Ukrainian flag and perhaps display it in their windows to show their support.

Local hotels, private hosts/sponsors and Guests are all planning to make Ukrainian dishes. The new Ukrainian café at the Crichton will also be open for anyone to come and enjoy their menu of British and Ukrainian dishes. 

Co-Chairs of the Community Planning Partnership Board which leads the region’s response commented:

Councillor Stephen Thompson said: “The response from local people and the Scottish Government has been amazing and demonstrates the compassion that our country has for people facing a humanitarian crisis. Over 250 private hosts and sponsors in our region have offered accommodation, and we know that guests who have already arrived here have experienced a warm welcome and are enjoying Dumfries and Galloway with all it has to offer.”

Councillor Lind Dorward commented: “We are expecting to have over 600 Ukrainian Guests living in this area for some time – from Stranraer to Langholm and Kirkconnel to Gretna – we have been extremely impressed by their determination to seek employment, improve their English, integrate and positively impact on our communities. We look forward to their ongoing positive contribution to our schools, businesses and communities, which promotes this regions commitment to inclusiveness and will assist our economy to thrive .”