THE foundations for a Ukrainian language ministry in Scotland were laid down in Dollar this month when people gathered under the guidance of a pastor from Kyiv.

Worshippers arrived from as far as Inverness as a prayer breakfast event went ahead at East Burnside Hall in Dollar on March 11, organised by Baptist minister Yurii Karamaneshta.

Dozens were said to have attended, including both Ukrainians who had fled the war-torn country and people from the Wee County.

Groups and organisations represented included Dollar Parish Church, who offered use of the hall, Tillicoultry Baptist Church and play and social opportunity charity Play Alloa.

Yurii told the Advertiser: “I've done it [meetings of this kind] before in England, this was the first time for me in Scotland.

“We held the event for the Ukrainian community, we pray together, sing about Ukraine and we tell about our country to Scottish people.

“We pray together, we sing together and we are worried together about Ukraine.”

The event was open to all from the wider region and even beyond with the pastor hoping to run repeats for occasions such as Easter, in different places.

Refugees from the war-torn country had received a warm welcome to the Wee County, with the Advertiser previously highlighting how Dollar could fast become the area's “Little Ukraine”.

It is understood people arriving have been benefiting from weekly meetings and social interactions.

For instance, there are plans for a weekly walking group for Ukrainians and their host families, led by expert walker and Dollar man Iain Campbell, one of the founders of Café Ukraine, along with fellow townsman Alan Smart.

Besides prayer and breakfast, the event at East Burnside Hall also raised a sum of around £300, for the “Unbreakable Ukraine” project.

The good cause seeks to support people with disabilities in Ukraine.

Yurii continued: “We'd like to help people who are disabled in Ukraine.

“People who come back from the front, and people who were disabled before the war – it is very difficult for them because they can't run from war, they can't [easily] go underground for shelter.”

He explained the Ukrainian community is obviously worried about the situation back home, the war continuing into a second year.

However, the have found safety and comfort in Scotland, even if many have had to leave family behind.

“When we talk to people in Ukraine, it's a very difficult time for them,” the Kyiv community leader added.

“We are very happy to be here with people who welcomed us.

“After the war finishes, some will want to go home because their husbands are in Ukraine and maybe some will like to stay here, if possible.”