Fundraising effort to help Ukrainian children visit Dumfries and Galloway
Children from war-torn Ukraine are set to visit Dumfries and Galloway – if a fundraising effort is successful.
A group of 27 children from the east of the country will be coming to the region in August following the success of a similar trip last year.
All of the children have either lost parents or close relatives during the war or have family volunteering on the frontline, which is just 25km from their homes in Lyubotin, near Kharkiv.
The trip aims to give the youngsters some respite from the horrors of war and they'll be staying at Abernethy's Barcaple Outdoor Centre near Ringford with their teachers – but funds are needed to make sure the trip happens.
Centre director, Dave Crudgington, said: 'The group had an amazing time staying in at Abernethy Barcaple, going on activities in the local area especially enjoying mountain biking and rock climbing.
'The community in Kirkcudbright warmly supported the group last year, giving them seats of honour at the Kirkcudbright Tattoo and from donations from the Rotary group.
'Ukrainian flags were flown at all town halls and many public buildings across Dumfries and Galloway in a show of support for the struggles of the Ukraine people while they were here last August. The group were really encouraged for the support they received while they were here with us.
'This year we are planning a Burns supper and ceilidh to give them a truly Scottish experience!
'Abernethy have committed to fully funding the trip this year and due to success of last year's trip there are nine more children coming. To pay for all the visas, flights, transport and a 12 night stay at Abernethy Barcaple we need to raise £36,000.
'Currently we have £26,000 donated or pledged but need help to raise the final amount.
Last year's trip happened after Abernethy was approached by Simon Lidwell and Tatyana Bondarenko from St John's Church in Dumfries. Tatyana is herself a refugee from the war with Russia who lives in Dumfries and is also a committee member of the Hallmuir POW Chapel and cultural heritage centre near Lockerbie.
She wanted to help a group of children from the Kharkiv region who had been taking part in online conversations with volunteers in Dumfries and learning about places in Scotland.
The trip came together with thanks to the Help Lyubotin organisation, chapel members, MOOL and the Quartz group at John's Church. Dumfries Lions Club and Kirkcudbright Rotary Club were among the groups that helped provide with fundraising.
This year, the Murray usher Foundation has donated £1,000 and Kirkcudbright Rotary has provided £1,400.
Lockarbie Rotary are providing a trip to an Alpaca farm as well as fish and chips, with Station House Cookery School in Kirkcudbright donating a morning of cookery classes.
Thanks go to them and all other groups and people who have supported the visit.
• To support the fundraising appeal, click here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
8 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Small Scottish Highland village on banks of iconic loch that is stuff of legends
The small village lies at the heart of the Great Glen, flanked by Glen Urquhart and Glenmoriston, and provides an ideal base for discovering the Highlands. A small Highland village, offers visitors a rare combination of stunning scenery, rich heritage, and unique attractions, making it a top destination in Scotland despite its modest population of just over 1,100 residents. While many recognise Drumnadrochit for its connection to the Loch Ness Monster, there is much more to explore in this picturesque corner of the Highlands. The village lies at the heart of the Great Glen, flanked by Glen Urquhart and Glenmoriston, and provides an ideal base for discovering the Highlands, Express reports. Visit Scotland highlights the area's appeal, noting a wide range of activities including exploring the iconic Urquhart Castle, horse riding, cycling, cruising Loch Ness, and fishing. The loch itself, Scotland's largest, draws thousands of tourists each year hoping to glimpse the legendary Nessie. For those seeking more than the legend, Nessieland offers a hands-on insight into the myths surrounding the monster. Visitors can watch documentaries on historical sightings, explore the Nessie caves, enjoy an adventure playground, and take cruises along the loch, making it a family-friendly highlight of any trip to the area. Urquhart Castle is another cornerstone of Drumnadrochit's appeal. Set against dramatic Highland scenery, the fortress has witnessed some of Scotland's most significant historical events. The castle saw intense military action from the 1200s until its decline in 1692. It fell to Edward I of England, known as the 'Hammer of the Scots,' in 1296 before being reclaimed by Scottish forces, only to be lost again to the English. Today, the castle stands as a romantic ruin overlooking Loch Ness, drawing visitors eager to explore its storied past. The castle's popularity is reflected in its TripAdvisor rating of 4.3 out of five. One visitor wrote: 'I came to Loch Ness for Urquhart Castle. "The place transcends words, and inspires paintings. It's so gothic and romantic, I loved the fact that it overlooks the deepest part of the loch and called out to Nessie from the beach next to the castle. The best views up close is definitely to be had on castle grounds.' Another reviewer praised the castle's accessibility and scenic surroundings, saying: 'The magnificent Urquhart Castle is on the shore of Loch Ness and a beautiful and short drive from Inverness. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "We left Inverness around 9am and had a very pleasant drive to Urquhart Castle stopping once at a popular viewing point to see the Loch Ness.' A third visitor added: 'The Urquhart Castle was a great experience! We spent around an hour and a half there and we were lucky enough to get great sunny weather so we weren't too cold and got great photos! "We really appreciated that we didn't need to go on an organised tour and we could just go through at our own pace and read all the information. "The castle isn't very big so you can really see everything they have there pretty quickly and see the amazing views. Our experience was probably made better by lucky weather but we would go back again for a peaceful walk.'
Daily Record
8 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Iconic Scottish spot with breathtaking hike named among UK's best panoramic views
CEWE and photographer Bella Falk ranked the UK's best panoramic views, with an iconic spot on Isle of Skye fifth From sweeping coastlines to dramatic peaks, the United Kingdom is home to countless breathtaking vistas. A new study by photo printing company CEWE has revealed the country's best panoramic views, placing the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye in fifth position. To help people make the most of these scenic locations, CEWE teamed up with award-winning travel photographer Bella Falk, who compiled the ranking based on visual impact, elevation and scale. Importantly, all chosen spots can be enjoyed without specialist equipment or technical skill. The list features a mix of iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems, from the rugged Pennine Way and Jacob's Ladder to the London skyline as seen from Greenwich Observatory. The summit of Yr Wyddfa, better known as Mount Snowdon, also ranks highly. Falk describes panoramic scenes as offering the chance to 'capture nature's beauty and otherworldly moments like nothing else.' The Old Man of Storr is perhaps the most famous walk on Skye and certainly its busiest. Known in Gaelic as Bodach an Stòr, the 55-metre-high basalt pinnacle is the remnant of a volcanic plug thought to be around 2.8 billion years old. The wider Trotternish Ridge, which reaches its highest point at the Storr (719 metres), was shaped about 60 million years ago when volcanic lava flowed onto softer Jurassic rock. This caused massive landslips that created the dramatic cliffs and weathered pinnacles seen today. From the summit, walkers are rewarded with views stretching across the Isle of Harris, the Cuillin Mountains and the Scottish mainland. The out-and-back trail to the site begins and ends at the car park, covering 3.8 kilometres and typically taking just over an hour without breaks. Ninth on the list is the view from Blackford Hill, one of Edinburgh's famed seven hills. Rising to 164 metres, it offers sweeping views north towards the city and south towards the Braid and Pentland Hills. Near its summit sits the green-domed Royal Observatory, home to a university astronomy research group and a visitor centre. Blackford Hill is largely open ground, though mature woodland grows nearby in the Hermitage of Braid, a leafy strip following the Braid Burn and connecting with the hill's base. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Rounding out the top ten is Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most recognisable buildings in Scotland. The fortress is a perennial favourite for photographers and features on countless shortbread tins and calendars. Its dramatic location, on a small island at the meeting point of three sea lochs, framed by the forested mountains of Kintail, has made it one of the Highlands' most visited attractions. Eilean Donan overlooks the Isle of Skye and has stood in various forms for centuries, though its current structure was restored in the early 20th century. Visitors crossing the stone bridge to its stout gates are greeted by a view that has become synonymous with the Scottish Highlands.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Scotland's best restaurants with show stopping interiors
In Scotland, some restaurants pair outstanding food with atmospheres that make every meal unforgettable. From the moment you walk into a restaurant, the tone is set. The lighting, décor and overall atmosphere often hint at the experience to come, shaping the memory of a meal as much as the food itself. While diners seek out the freshest produce and perfectly prepared dishes, the surroundings can be just as important in making an evening unforgettable. For many, the first instinct is to check the menu when choosing where to dine. Yet great dining is about more than what appears on the plate. It is how a space invites you in and how the occasion unfolds from first greeting to final course. Across Scotland, several standout restaurants combine exceptional cuisine with settings designed to delight all the senses. Divino Enoteca, Edinburgh Tucked into the Old Town, Divino Enoteca offers a taste of Italy in a space reminiscent of a traditional wine cellar. Shelves lined with rare vintages create a romantic, intimate feel, while the charming stone patio, with colourful cushioned benches and a retractable roof, provides an inviting spot for summer dining. Guests can savour refined Italian dishes paired with wines from one of Scotland's best lists or explore the unique self-serve Enomatic wine machine. 1925 at Pompadour, Edinburgh Housed in The Caledonian Hotel, this elegant restaurant pays homage to its heritage dating back to 1925, blending timeless design with contemporary style. Sweeping arched windows frame views of Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, while the menu celebrates Scottish seafood, featuring dishes such as lobster thermidor, champagne-baked market fish and hand-dived Orkney scallops. Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh Within one of Edinburgh's finest Georgian buildings, the Colonnades offers an opulent setting for afternoon tea. Ornate columns, rare book-lined walls and a domed ceiling provide a scholarly backdrop for handcrafted sweet and savoury creations by chefs Aung and Mario. Guests may add a glass of champagne to complete the refined experience. Haar, St Andrews Named after the coastal mist, Haar's soft, muted tones evoke the shifting weather of St Andrews. Chef Dean Banks presents a tasting menu that highlights Scotland's finest seasonal produce, with a focus on fresh local seafood, served against views of the surrounding natural beauty. Road Hole Restaurant, St Andrews Overlooking the Old Course's 17th hole and West Sands beach, this newly renovated space features contemporary tartan carpets and an open kitchen that brings theatre to the meal. The understated design allows the scenery to shine, while the menu showcases local ingredients in dishes such as smoked lamb tartare and Hebridean salmon. The Grahamston, Glasgow Inside the Radisson Blu, The Grahamston in Glasgow draws on the history of the 18th-century village it is named for. A large mural tells its story, while high ceilings and a central bar create a sense of grandeur. For private gatherings, 'The Snug' offers a cosy, firelit retreat. The menu combines classic Scottish flavours with inventive modern twists, alongside a curated drinks list. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 1635, Oban Located in Knipoch House Hotel in Oban, this intimate restaurant serves a six-course tasting menu inspired by Scotland's land and sea. Antique oak furniture, original stone walls and flagstone floors echo the site's centuries-old history, including its link to the Thane of Cawdor legend. Tatha Bar and Kitchen, Dundee Set within Scotland's first design museum, the V&A Dundee, Tatha Bar and Kitchen boasts panoramic views of the River Tay. The bright, airy space incorporates Scottish eco-materials, while the menu, influenced subtly by Persian flavours, celebrates produce from the region's best suppliers.
