Hundreds of Ukrainian children who are staying in Aberdeen with parents or guardians due to the on-going war in their home country had a fun day out yesterday.
They were given a choice of events including sports and crafts and then Codona’s Funfair reopened especially in the evening for the youngsters.
The fun day out for the 200-plus primary and secondary-age pupils was part of a welcome event held in the Beach Ballroom for Ukrainians which also included two Ukrainian singers, a young poet, and a Scottish singer.
They were also joined by mascots from different organisations in Aberdeen - Angus and Donny from AFC, Charlie Dog from Charlie House, and the Aberdeen City Council mascot Spotless the Leopard for hugs and photos.
The guests were given a civic welcome to the city by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen David Cameron.
He said: “It is our privilege to welcome Ukrainians to Aberdeen and we cannot imagine what they have been through to get here.
“We hope they are enjoying their stay in the city with a warm Scottish welcome and the youngsters had a fantastic time with all the fun sporting and crafting events as well as the rides at the funfair.”
Codona’s, which closes to the public at 6pm, re-opened from 6.15pm so the Ukrainian guests could enjoy exclusive access to all the main rides for free.
Alfred Codona said: “It’s been a really tough time for these families and our whole team are really pleased to be able to support such a great cause.”
The activities the youngsters could choose from during the afternoon event included street dance with Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts, boxing with Lee McAllister, karate with Ronnie Watt, princess pamper, crafting, and glitter tattoos with Love Ra Ra, rugby with Scottish Rugby, football with the Denis Law Legacy Trust and Streetsport, yoga by Jenni Fernandez, and hairdressing by Yvonne.
The event, which also included a visit from a Peters Ices ice cream van giving out hundreds of free ice creams, was also generously supported by the City of Aberdeen Lieutenancy, as well as Aberdeen FC Community Trust.