ARCTIC CONVOY VETERANS HONOURED

ARCTIC CONVOY VETERANS HONOURED

Thirty Scots veterans of the Russian Arctic Convoy were presented with medals in a ceremony today.
The medals, marking 65 years since the end of World War II, were presented by Consul General of the Russian Federation, Sergey Krutikov. The Russian Arctic Convoy sailed from Orkney during the war to take vital supplies and munitions to Russia. 104 Merchant ships, 20 Royal Navy ships, a submarine and two armed whalers were lost during the operation.

Rob Gibson MSP, who represented the Scottish Government and Parliament at the ceremony, praised the Russian Federation's presentation of medals to the Arctic convoy veterans.

SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands Mr Gibson said:
"The presentation of medals by the Russian Federation Consul General to veterans of the Arctic convoys in WW2 was a poignant event. It recalls the few who survive today of the brave men of the navy and merchant service who sailed into the teeth of war in all its fury on the most dangerous convoys of the war.

"These brave men delivered the war materials for Russia to defeat Fascism along with the western allies. Today we are building new friendships and economic relations with Russia on the basis of solidarity in past crises. Russia greatly values its veterans, so do we in Scotland."