Members of Stirling's Ukrainian community participated in a special parade through Glasgow streets, celebrating gratitude and unity between Ukraine and Scotland. The Vyshyvanka Parade for 2026 brought together Ukrainians from across Scotland, including displaced individuals due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Parade Highlights
The event featured participants from cities such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Stirling, Inverness, and Ayr. The parade aimed to mark the unity, culture, and resilience of Ukrainians living in Scotland, as well as the friendship with Scots who opened their homes and communities.
During the march, attendees sang traditional Ukrainian folk songs, filling the streets with music and emotion. They expressed heartfelt thanks to the Scottish people for their continued support. The Stirling contingent brought their own banner, and the parade concluded with a gathering at Glasgow Green.
Anna Yanenko's Story
Anna Yanenko, displaced from Chernihiv after the war began, participated in the parade. She described it as a message of "We are here. We are many. We are united." Her life changed on February 24, 2022, when Russian forces stormed her city, forcing her family to hide in a basement before escaping to Scotland.
Anna has been at the forefront of helping others settle in the area, founding the 'Ukrainians in Stirling' group on Telegram, which now has 317 members. The group has organized fundraising events showcasing Ukrainian food and heritage, with proceeds sent to families and friends still on the frontlines.
