Highland 4x4 to take on frontline role in Ukraine
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A 4x4 vehicle at the end of its working life on Highland roads is taking on a new role, saving lives on the front line of the war in Ukraine.
The Ford Ranger will join a convoy of vehicles, along with consignments of vital aid, setting off for Ukraine next week under the Jeeps for Peace banner.
The pick-up, bought thanks to the efforts of three Inverness Rotary clubs, will be used by medical teams as a rescue vehicle to transport injured civilians and defenders to field hospitals, over bomb craters and missile-pocked ground where ambulances would be unable to travel.
Before taking up its new role, it will be used to promote a Highland-wide campaign to acquire more jeeps when it parks up at the Vintage, Historic and Classic Car and Motorcycle Rally in Tain on Sunday.
The vehicle was acquired through fundraising efforts by the Rotary Club of Inverness with support from the Rotary Clubs of Inverness Culloden and Inverness Riverside to help make a difference to Ukrainians caught up in the conflict on the eastern front of their country.
Inverness club member Simon Cole-Hamilton said they were inspired by a challenge issued by the charity, Highlands for Ukraine.
"Everyone in Rotary locally wants to support Ukraine as best we can, and this seemed a very tangible way to actually make a difference," he said.
"So, three of our clubs joined forces to raise funds for a 4x4 and my Rotary colleague David Martin and myself went off the Dingwall Auction Mart and found what we thought was the most suitable vehicle for this important new purpose."
"We can make such a difference and this vehicle impressed because it looked like a good workhorse in serviceable condition with a strong chassis and engine," Mr Cole-Hamilton said.
"Having driven it, I am confident it is going to be really useful in Ukraine and our clubs were delighted with the purchase."
They are now looking for the next vehicle to buy, or to hear from anyone willing to donate a vehicle.
Helen MacRae, of Highlands for Ukraine, explained why the region can play an important part in the project.
"These pick-ups and jeeps bound for the front line have to be sturdy, reliable and have a good service history," she said.
"There are numerous off-road vehicles that although nearing the end of their working lives have been well looked after and maintained on farms, forestry, estates and by building firms here in the north.
"It is important that we know the provenance of the vehicles we buy so we can be sure they won’t break down on the long haul to Ukraine or shortly after we get them there."
A founding member of the Edinburgh-based project Jeeps for Peace is Invernessian Matthew Zajac who staged a concert at Eden Court Theatre last November to raise funds for Ukraine-dedicated charities, including Highlands for Ukraine.
He is also among the volunteers who have already driven about 50 vehicles the 2000 miles to Ukraine where they are camouflaged before being used to retrieve the wounded as well as to deliver critical supplies of food and medicines and evacuate civilians in danger.
The first vehicle was instrumental in rescuing 12 serious casualties in its first 90 days.
Jeeps for Peace has an upper limit of £3000 per vehicle which need an existing MOT for volunteers to drive them to the ferry at Newcastle.
The Inverness Rotary clubs as well as the Inner Wheel have been offered places behind the wheel of the next convoy leaving on June 25.
The clubs, along with Ukrainian refugees in Inverness, have been collecting aid, including medical supplies, clothing, bedding and generators to send to Ukraine for the past year but the 4x4 is the biggest single donation.
Anyone who can help should contact info@highlands.samye.org or rotary@inverness.city.
