PROVOST of South Ayrshire, Helen Moonie was in Edinburgh recently to show support for World War II veteran sailors.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of a major effort by the Allies to supply Russia with food, medical supplies and weapons during World War II.

The event at the Royal Yacht Britannia in the capital was attended by around 40 British veterans who took part in the Dervish Convoy, which made 78 trips to Russia from 1941 through to 1945.

The convoy made up of five British ships and a Dutch ship managed to evade detection and delivered over four million tonnes of cargo over the four year period.

South Ayrshire has strong links with the Russian Navy and earlier this year Consul General of Russia, Andrey A.Pritsepov visited Lendalfoot to commemorate the Russian cruiser Varyag which ran aground near the village in 1920.

The Provost attended the event to meet the veterans in recognition of the strong links that have developed between the Royal Navy at HMS Gannet in Prestwick and the Russian Navy. 

Provost Moonie said: “It was an honour to attend this event and meet the veterans who put their lives at risk. It was clear that Russia has never forgotten the important role these men played and nor should we.”

The veterans attending the ceremony received a medal from Russia in recognition of their service.