Inverness bridge to mark Ukraine's Christmas festivities on January 7 in gesture of solidarity to those displaced by war with Russia after Highland Council answer local man Daniel Hall's plea
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An Inverness resident moved by the plight of displaced Ukrainians has persuaded Highland Council to re-light Ness Bridge in a blaze of yellow and blue on January 7.
The date holds special significance for many citizens of the war-torn country, traditionally bringing their Christmas festivities to a close with a national public holiday.
Australian Daniel Hall (50), who stays with his wife from Inverness at Ness Walk, first approached the council to ask them to turn the city’s castle blue and yellow.
However, with scaffolding covering a sizeable portion of the landmark, which is under redevelopment, the alternative option was agreed.
With no end in sight to the Russian aggression, which escalated dramatically with the invasion on February 24 last year, close to 10,000 Ukrainians have been temporarily housed in Scotland.
There are understood to be more than 500 living in Highland hotels and homes.
On December 11, a With Love To Ukraine concert at Eden Court featuring the likes of Duncan Chisholm and Julie Fowlis raised £15,756 for charities supporting Ukraine, with around 100 displaced Ukrainians in the audience.
Mr Hall believes the gesture on January 7 will be a great way to show solidarity with Ukrainian exiles taking sanctuary in and around the city. The bridge was lit for Ukraine earlier this year.
“The idea came when I saw an old picture of Inverness Castle lit up for St Andrew’s Day,” computer analyst Mr Hall (50) said.
“I was originally thinking of a gesture on Christmas Day and contacted Inverness BID who instructed me on how to contact the council.
“A Facebook friend from Ukraine explained the traditions and cultural sensitivities, and indicated that January 7 might be best to show our support. Christmas can be the hardest time of year, especially for those in our community who are separated from family, friends and their homeland.
“Ukrainian celebrations over the Christmas and New Year are quite different to ours, so I felt the act of showing we care through the power of light would decrease the risk of undue stress from cultural differences.
“I believe it will lift people’s spirits and also reflect well on Inverness at home and abroad.”
While January 7 is a national day of celebration in Ukraine, the situation became more complicated recently.
One of the branches of Orthodox Christianity in the nation decided to make a break from tradition, which is shared by Russia, and celebrate on December 25.
Highland Council confirmed Mr Hall’s plea had been granted.
