A brave young Ukranian woman who fled her homeland following the Russian invasion last year and ended up in North Ayrshire has given a heartfelt message of thanks to the people who have welcomed her to the area.
Valeriia Khvorostiankina works in the Co-op in Largs, lives in Ardrossan, and volunteers in the Maritime Museum in Irvine.
The 27 year old took the difficult decision to say farewell to her family and friends in Kharkhiv - joining her mum on a 1,300 mile road trip and being dropped off in Germany before flying solo to London and then on to Glasgow.
Kharkiv has been under constant bombardment by the Russian army since the first day of the full-scale invasion, and many parts of the city are now completely destroyed.
Among those buildings now in ruins are Valeriia's mother's home - though fortunately no-one was inside at the time as her mother Ruslana and her husband Oleg had already managed to escape.
Recalling the start of the war, Valeriia said: "On February 24, 2022 we woke up at around five in the morning to the sound of explosions on the outside.
"Everyone was looking outside their windows concerned, wondering what was happening to our neighbourhood.
"At first I thought it was crazy people launching fireworks - but I soon realised that it was something far worse.
"I had slept very badly that night. That morning my uncle was very worried and wanted to check his car to see if there was enough petrol.
"We checked the news and in every city there were explosions.
"Then they showed Putin and he said that they had started their 'special military operation' in Ukraine.
"It was so shocking as it unfolded. The overwhelming question was 'why are you doing this?'.
“People started to panic. Traffic jams quickly appeared on the streets, shelves in shops were empty, and banking systems were not working. Everyone was scared and confused.
"Some of the housing districts in Kharkiv are now not liveable because of the Russian army destruction, with streets reduced to rubble. Because of Russian terror, people have lost their lives, homes, and jobs."
As the opening months of the bombardment continued, it soon became clear to Valeriia and her family that a tough decision had to be made.
She said: "It was hard for me to leave, as you feel like you need to stay. But then again you cannot do any more.
"I felt helpless.
"Early in the morning at 6am, I left with my mum, aunt and my little cousin, and we said goodbye to our family members, and gave each other one last emotional hug. We hoped then that our separation would not last long.
"Despite the bombing, it is a beautiful, unbreakable city and I want to go back so badly.
"I was born there. My family and my friends are there. It has been my whole life."
Valeriia hopes that the war will end as soon as possible, but emphasises the importance of support, both informational and armed.
"Several members of my family have been actively volunteering for our military since the first days of the full-scale invasion," she said.
"Any help is extremely valuable and important: donations, dissemination of information, psychological support, assistance in purchasing items needed by the military, etc.
"Every single action of every person is important for Ukraine's victory over Russian terror.
“Russia is a terrorist country that must finally be stopped and punished for all the crimes it has been committing for many years.”
Valeria's mother and her husband - who lived just 25 kilometres from the Russian border - managed to escape the city just 20 minutes before Russian forces occupied.
Valeriia said: "On the first day the air strikes started, Russians would say 'that is what they deserve'.
"Almost all people who had relatives or friends in Russia have cut ties with them.
"This is a difficult topic for many people, because no one expected such a level of heartlessness and betrayal.
"But when you make a choice to do nothing, it is also a choice that has consequences.
"People seem to have no empathy until it affects them personally."
When the air sirens went off, Valeriia and her family had to hide in the basement. They went to sleep dressed and had bags with their personal items and documents next to them in case a missile hit the house.
"It was hardly like a sleep," she said. "More like a blackout, when the body was simply exhausted.
"In the morning, we wrote texts to each other to make sure everyone was alive. Explosions and shelling continued day and night.
"The Russian military leaves behind destruction, deep pain, mined areas, and various dangerous traps. They are purposefully destroying everything Ukrainian."
Valeriia said: "Kharkiv is an extremely energetic city, very lively and vibrant. It has many glorious parks, fountains, a magnificent theatre, and a large number of universities, which is why the city is often called the "city of students". Everyone could find a place for themselves and feel comfortable there.
"With my mum Ruslana, aunt Olena and little cousin Yana we took the car and made the journey from Ukraine to Germany, and my mum was the driver; she is my star and is my wonder woman.
"In Germany, we were hosted by our close friends Maria and Vakhtang Glonti who literally surrounded us with warmth and safety for the time we needed. Thanks to them, I found the strength to move on.
"My aunt and cousin stayed in Germany, whilst I went onwards to the UK.
"My mother drove back to Kharkiv on her own because her husband, parents and dog were still there. Each of us did what we felt was right. We support each other very much.
"I didn't want to leave Kharkiv but I felt completely broken and confused. I needed to move on. It felt like life was frozen for us, but in reality it continued."
Valeriia arrived in Scotland on July 28 last year, and has been overwhelmed by the kindness of the Scottish people she's met since then.
She said: "The support has been amazing as all the countries have become our very supportive friends.
"It has not just been the emotional support, but the money, food, medicine, clothes and toys for children, which have been donated by villages, towns and cities all over the UK.
"We are so grateful as a nation.
"And people have been opening their houses to strangers, which is absolutely incredible."
Valeriia initially moved into the Riverside Hotel in Irvine before being linked up with a family in the town, the Harwoods.
She says they have become like a new family by surrounding her with support and understanding from all sides.
She said: "I am immensely grateful to Ada, Max, Aaron, India and David. They made room for me in their home and in their hearts.
"I went from being a stranger to being part of their family. They are incredible people, very sincere and close to my heart."
Later, she moved to an apartment in Ardrossan to live an independent life.
When Valeriia first arrived in Scotland, she was faced not only with a new culture and country, but also with new Scots words and the dialect.
With a lot of practice, support from friends and help from language courses, she has progressively improved her skills in understanding and communicating with the people around her.
She started working in Co-op in Largs in March and says she loves the town.
"It is very pretty with a lovely seafront," she said, "and I love looking outwards towards the islands which I am looking forward to visiting.
"The nature of Scotland and its landscapes are absolutely unique.
"I enjoy volunteering in the Maritime Museum in Irvine. I was made aware of the opportunity through a Ukranian support group - I think museums are very important for every country to support.
"I also want to be useful and express my gratitude not just in words, but in actions."
And while Valeriia builds a new life for herself in a new country, her original homeland is never far from her thoughts.
Fighting back tears, she said: "It is so tough. All these nights the Russians attack Ukraine, especially now Kyiv.
"I text my friends and family members every day as you never know - it could be your city, your house or your family next.
"It is unbelievably hard but my family said they wanted me to live my life and give me the best opportunity by starting afresh.
"My family know that I am safe, and wanted me to go abroad at least for a while, and told me that 'that is the best you can do for us'.
"I phone and speak to them every day and miss them very much.
"I'm so grateful for all the support I and other Ukrainians have received since coming to Ayrshire and it means so much to me, and I keep thanking everyone for their help and understanding."
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