Wee County MP John Nicolson attended a Ukrainian Fayre in Alloa on Saturday, organised by women from Alloa’s own local Ukrainian group. The free event was open to the communities of Clackmannanshire to celebrate the traditional National Cossack Day and experience first-hand the roots of Ukrainian culture, including traditional Ukrainian cuisine, folk painting and arts and crafts.

The fayre also raised money through a special lottery in which visitors had the opportunity to pluck hearts from a map of Ukraine to see if they won a prize. All profits from the fayre are going to supporting Ukraine and its people. Speaking at the event, John Nicolson, Member of Parliament for Ochil and South Perthshire, said: 

“I loved being at Play Alloa’s Ukrainian Fayre on Saturday and want to thank everyone who made it happen.

“It’s clear that Ukrainian refugees and their families feel very much at home in Scotland. They love our country and appreciate the warm welcome and support they’ve been given.

“But even the shortest conversations with people at the event brought forth tales of trauma in Ukraine, with Russian bombs falling and much-loved family members and pets missed.

“The bonds made between Scotland and Ukraine will go from strength to strength and we will do everything we can to support Ukrainians and their brave country’s struggle for survival.”