It’s a grim milestone for many new arrivals making their home in Stirling as today marks one year on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The invasion, which kicked off on February 24 2022, forced thousands of Ukrainians to flee their homes to temporary homes all over Europe – including to Scotland.
Stirling has stepped up to the plate in accepting its share of Ukrainian refugees in that time - more than 350 at the last count - with many popping up throughout the region from living and working in the city centre to enjoy new lives in Stirling’s rural beauty spots.
The latest figures from the UK Government for their Homes for Ukraine scheme up to February 23 have revealed that a total of 168 visa applications for Ukrainians living in Stirling have been agreed.
Meanwhile, a recent council meeting heard there are currently 149 Ukrainian guests staying with sponsoring households – including 39 children up to January 12.
The meeting also heard a further 61 guests were living independently in their own accommodation throughout Stirling, while 146 guests are staying at a trio of hotels – Stirling Highland, Dunblane Hydro and the Killin Hotel – as well as in a serviced apartment block.
Among those who have settled and made their home here are mother and daughter Olena and Daria, who moved to work and live in Port of Menteith in July after being forced to flee their home city of Bakhmut at the outset of the fighting.
A year on, the city remains a key hotspot for fighting between the two sides, with Russian forces continuing their bombardment in an effort to make gains in the region. Stirling’s MP and MSPs were among those marking the milestone, reaffirming their commitment to the Ukrainian cause and praising the efforts of locals in taking refugees into their homes and communities.
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said: “One year on from his brutal reinvasion of Ukraine, Putin’s war plans lie in ruin.
“He has failed to conquer his neighbour; he has failed to divide NATO and the free world – and he has failed to extinguish the belief that democracy will prevail. The people of Stirling, Scotland and everywhere else across these isles have risen to the occasion.
“Donations have flooded in, and public support for Ukraine remains high. We’ve welcomed fleeing families to our homes and communities, extending a warm Scottish welcome.
“I’m extremely proud to represent Stirling, as we stand in solidarity with a people and a country fighting a war of survival. As we pass the one-year mark since the reinvasion, let us steel ourselves for tough times ahead, and stand fast and stand true to our values.
“The people of Ukraine can count on us.”
Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed added: “A year has passed since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, an unprovoked illegal assault on a peaceful, democratic and sovereign nation.
“I offer my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and homes in the course of this horrible conflict.
“Over 20,000 displaced Ukrainians have come to Scotland, under the sponsorship of individuals or the Scottish Government. Despite the difficult circumstances that led to their arrival, it was been wonderful to see Ukrainians become part of communities across Stirling.
“I am grateful to local residents who have been generous in their support and made Ukrainians welcome, and grateful to the many Ukrainians who have taken up vital roles in the constituency, including in care work and the tourism and service sectors.
“The Scottish Government will continue to push for the best possible outcomes for Ukrainian refugees, and I encourage anyone in the constituency who requires support to reach out to my office.”
Today, to mark the one year anniversary of the Russian invasion, Stirling’s Queen Street Methodist Church is holding an ‘Open Space’ meeting including a prayer vigil for Ukraine at
7.30pm.
A spokesperson said: “In common with many churches, Stirling Methodist Church has been praying weekly for the country of Ukraine and its people, both those who have remained in their country and those who have fled to safer places.
“Some have arrived in Stirling, where church members and others have opened up their homes to refugees.
“We will also be remembering , in prayer, the people of our own country who have been adversely affected by this war with rising fuel and food costs.”
