Members of Stirling’s Ukrainian neighborhood joined along with locals to participate in an occasion showcasing the easiest within the nation’s tradition.
The social occasion, held on the metropolis’s Holy Trinity Church, was geared toward uniting Ukrainians who've not too long ago been displaced right here following the Russian invasion of the nation earlier this yr and was additionally designed as a due to Scots who've provided a heat welcome.
It adopted a march by Stirling held final week to mark the nation’s independence day and the six-month date from the start of the invasion.
The occasion was organised by Stirling College pupil Helen Padberg, who moved to Scotland from the nation 14 years in the past.
Among the many leisure on the day included a raffle, a photograph zone and genuine Ukrainian braiding, whereas guests additionally had the prospect to style some scrumptious conventional delicacies from the nation.
There was additionally the chance to pattern and buy some Ukrainian objects, together with amulet dolls, handmade jewelry and candles and work.
The occasion raised £1,349 in simply three hours for the Prytula Basis charity which offers on the bottom help and was picked by the Ukrainians in attendance as the most effective trigger to obtain the cash gathered.
Helen advised the Observer: “It was implausible, we didn’t assume we might have as many individuals turning up as did.
“From about 6-7.30pm, the corridor was simply full of individuals and it was actually hectic however it was nice to see.
“It was an actual combine of individuals, we had Ukrainian refugees right here, there have been different Ukrainians who've been right here and in addition numerous Scottish individuals of all ages and what was actually touching was that a whole lot of them wore blue and yellow to indicate their help.
“It labored as a gathering to assist individuals come collectively and we additionally ready shows of what had occurred to our nation and we had an space the place each Ukrainian caught a bit coronary heart up on the map to indicate what a part of the nation they have been from.”
She added: “One girl who comes from Luhansk really bought in contact with me afterwards as a result of she had seen a few different hearts caught there and knew there have been different individuals in Stirling from there so wished to fulfill them.”
All pictures courtesy of Julia Strang Pictures.