A tree-planting ceremony at Gowan Hill in Stirling will be hosted by Ukrainians tomorrow (Saturday, 22 February) ahead of the third anniversary of the Russian invasion on Monday, 24 February.
Around 700 people have passed through Stirling under the Homes for Ukraine and Welcome Accommodation schemes over the last three years and 350 have made the area their permanent home.
Most are employed locally in a range of careers, with many also establishing businesses, studying at university and college and acting as carers and volunteers in their new communities.
The reflections of four members of the Ukrainian community – Anna Yanenko, Shabab Aslanian, Lesya Ostrikov and Leyla Chernyshova - are included (below) in their own words.
Event organiser Anna, originally from Chernihiv, near the Russian border, believes the tree planting ceremony is an opportunity to say thank you to the people of Stirling, for the resilience of her community – and also look to a more positive future.
Unity
She said: “The Ukrainian community is gathering to honour the support we have received from local residents here in Stirling, as well as across Scotland, and to commemorate those who have died in Ukraine during the Russian invasion.
“We plan to create a space with trees typical of Ukraine, as a symbol of our homeland and roots. It will also be a place of peace, renewal, and unity.
“For us, this is not just an event, but a way to maintain our connection to our homeland, even when we are far from home.
“After three years of living in Scotland, we feel that we have become part of this wonderful community, and we are deeply grateful for the warm welcome and support. Together with the local residents, we continue to support Ukraine, preserving our culture and traditions. This project also emphasises the importance of unity and mutual assistance.”
Around 50 trees will be planted in partnership with Treelink Stirling, a local environmental charity committed to supporting the growth and development of trees and woodland. In addition to the Ukrainian community, locals from Raploch have also been engaged in the planting plans.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, added: “The Ukrainian community are settled, established and contributing positively to the social and economic fabric of Stirling. Helping people to rebuild their lives is a lengthy process but, done properly, benefits everyone involved.
“The Ukrainian community have shown remarkable resilience, bravery and strength of character, fleeing the horrors of war and being distanced and displaced from close relatives and friends.
“I am also proud of the way the people of Stirling have responded positively to their arrival and assimilated them fully into our communities.
“Individuals and organisations from Killin to Kippen, Dunblane, Callander and Stirling have come together to offer support. They didn’t just open up their homes, but provided English classes, activities and companionship for people when they needed it most.
Equal
“As Council leader, I am also indebted to our workforce for their outstanding response to an unprecedented emergency.
“The aim of Stirling Council, from the very start, was to support the Ukrainians as quickly as possible to use their skills to play a full and equal part in their new home.
“The contribution made by our teams in areas such as housing, learning and employability, community development, environmental health, education and social work has been inspirational. On behalf of the people of Stirling, I thank them all.”
Anna Yanenko
Due to the war in Ukraine, I was forced to leave the country with my daughter. We arrived in Scotland on April 27, 2022. For the first six months, we lived with a host family, and then we rented an apartment. During this time, I had three jobs, but none of them were related to my qualifications due to the language barrier. Currently, I am a student at college.
From the very beginning of our stay in Stirling, my goal has been to unite Ukrainians and integrate into society with an emphasis on supporting Ukraine and its culture. I created the community ‘Ukrainians in Stirling’. We have a text group in social media, where everyone can receive useful information about work, education, cultural development, and more.
Over the years, we have worked hand in hand with the Scottish community to run numerous events in support of Ukraine. We prepare cultural awareness programs, discuss our shared values, and always thank the local people for their warm welcome and solidarity with Ukraine. For example, we worked with Edinburgh Napier University and charity Forth Valley Welcome to develop a presentation about Ukraine to enhance understanding and integration.
This year, together with charity Treelink Stirling, we will plant trees as a symbol of peace and renewal; to honour the support of the residents of Stirling and Scotland and to commemorate all those who died in Ukraine during the Russian invasion. A memorial plaque will also be installed. My motto is "strength in unity”, and I believe that together with the Scottish community, we are doing many good things.
Shabab Aslanian
Our family arrived in the UK in 2022 from Kyiv. We were warmly welcomed to Stirling by the local council's representatives. They supported us, helped us get settled in a new place, and helped us integrate into public life.
When we decided to open our own business, the council's representatives warmly helped us with our endeavour. Although we had to face many difficulties due to different laws and rules in the business world, we had to master a lot on our own as well. As with any business, the beginning is the hardest and not being a native English speaker did not make the tasks easier.
Now we live in Stirling, have our own small business here – a beauty salon, called Krasunya, on Barnton Street. We have learned the language and gained new experiences and skills. Our children go to school and college and are making plans for the future. Our life has begun to move from a state of transiency to permanence.
No matter how our circumstances develop in the future, Scotland will forever be in our hearts as our second home.
Lesya Ostrikova
My sons and I came to Scotland in July 2022 due to the war in Ukraine. At first it was very difficult because my younger son Kiril and I did not know the language at all. However, I attended regular English lessons and have since found a job at Dunblane Nursery. Once Kiril started school, his English has really improved.
We stayed with our sponsors Rhona and John in Dunblane, who are very supportive. For example, my elder son Oleksandr has been practicing judo in Ukraine since he was 4 years old, so my sponsors found a club before my arrival where he could continue practicing judo. He has fulfilled the standard of master of sports in judo and received a black belt 1 DAN. He obtained a first-level coach license and was selected for the national judo team in the 81 kg category. In 2024, both of my sons won first places at The National Scottish closed championship 2024.
My family has developed an extremely wonderful relationship with my sponsors, where we continue to live to this day. We are like one family.
Leyla Chernyshova
Like many other Ukrainians, I have arrived at Scotland with my family in 2022. Our journey started with a realisation that we forgot my walking sticks! Luckily it was soon fixed by Stirling Council. They have also helped us to change a rusty old wheelchair to a new one.
While living in Dunblane Hydro Hotel, I attended youth club meetings and helped to support conversations between teachers and children, due to language and cultural barriers.
I also started to volunteer as a call companion for older people, and I really enjoy this. I play games with them and try to find the positive in each day with them – like a real-life Pollyanna!
When we moved out of the hotel into our permanent home in Raploch, I began to attend Raploch Community Centre. I joined the Women's Wellbeing Club, which helped me to make friends with the lovely ladies in the area. I also began to sing in the Big Noise Choir. It's lovely to be united by song. To me, it's the best way to make friends and dive into culture.
So, now I'm proud and will continue giving. Thank you for the warm welcome.