Ukrainians living in Scotland convened at The Scottish Parliament last week in a cultural celebration.
Parliamentarians and diplomats gathered with artists and members of the Ukrainian community marking the impact made in Scotland.
Colin Beattie MSP hosted the event, Kaukab Stewart Minister for Equalities of Scotland addressed the audience as well as Consul of Ukraine Andrii Madzianovskyi, and Zhenya Dove, Chair of the Culture Working Group.
The Minister, Kaukab Stewart, said: “I am really pleased to have this opportunity to celebrate the many ways in which Ukrainians are both enriching Scotland’s culture and sharing in our heritage as well. The people of Ukraine have become interwoven in Scotland’s story. We now have a shared history that will shape both nations for many generations to come.”
Colin Beattie said: “It’s an honour to sponsor such a landmark event – a moment to celebrate how Ukrainians who sought refuge from war are now shaping and enriching the cultural life of Scotland.”
Comments on the evening
Consul of Ukraine Andrii Madzianovskyi, said: “On behalf of Ukraine, I extend my deep gratitude to our Scottish friends for your solidarity, for your warmth and support. May this evening strengthen our friendship and inspire us to continue standing together – for culture, for freedom, and for our bright future.”
Zhenya Dove closed the evening with words of gratitude and hope. She said:
“Creativity doesn’t just survive the hardest journeys; it transforms them. It turns rubble into stages and loss into light. That light, the one that refuses to go out, that’s the Ukrainian spirit. And tonight, it shines here with us.”
Students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland performed for the 160 guests who included Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Science and Technology, representatives from the Consulates of China, Japan, Poland, Romania, Germany, Austria and Turkey, as well as leaders from the British Council, Baillie Gifford, Wheatley Foundation, EVOC, the University of Edinburgh, Napier University, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Museums and Galleries Scotland.
Culture Working Group
The Culture Working Group within the Parliamentary Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Ukraine in The Scottish Parliament aims to promote and strengthen cultural links between Scotland and Ukraine.
The group supports initiatives that foster cultural diplomacy, unity, and collaboration, and seeks to enhance understanding, and build sustainable partnerships between Scottish and Ukrainian communities.
