Ukraine Embassy thanks Inverness man who teamed up with the Courier to turn Ness Bridge yellow and blue for the war-torn nation's Christmas Day celebration on January 7
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An Inverness man who petitioned for Ness Bridge to be lit up in a blaze of yellow and blue for Ukraine’s Christmas Day has received a letter of thanks from the war-torn nation’s UK embassy.
Australian Daniel Hall (50), who lives at the city’s Ness Walk, successfully pressed Highland Council for a repeat of the gesture first made in Inverness after the Russian invasion on February 24 last year.
The computer analyst felt it was important to show solidarity with Ukrainians displaced to the Highland capital at a time of year when they may have felt the absence of friends and loved ones most acutely.
The council agreed and lit the River Ness crossing in Ukraine colours in the run-up to the country’s traditional festive holiday date of January 7.
Mr Hall was surprised and delighted to receive a message of thanks after sending staff a copy of the Inverness Courier’s article.
Among wishes for a peaceful 2023, Alisa Lialina, head of cultural affairs and public diplomacy at the Ukraine embassy in London, offered her embassy’s gratitude.
The diplomat wrote: “Thank you very much for your support.
“We appreciate the symbolic gesture which came true due to your effort. It means a lot to every Ukrainian.
“On behalf of (our) ambassador, let me express our deepest gratitude for being a true friend of Ukraine in these days of need.
RELATED: Inverness bridge to mark Ukraine's Christmas festivities on January 7 in gesture of solidarity
“It is so valuable to have you standing with our country and its people.”
Mr Hall said: “I felt it was important to let Ukrainians in the UK and beyond know what Inverness had done in support of their nation, but I was really pleasantly surprised to get a reply.
“It was very touching and I’m grateful to Highland Council for seeing through the request and to Inverness City Centre BID for directing me in how to make the request.
“I hope it at least offered some comfort to our Ukrainian friends who are currently living here among us.”
It is understood there are more than 500 Ukrainian living in the Highland hotels and homes.
In Scotland, more than 35,000 visas have been issued through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
