Flags are flying for Ukrainian refugees in Troon
Ukrainian refugees have been made to feel right at home by kind neighbours who decorated their street with the country’s flag.
Families fleeing a war zone were given a warm welcome in Troon when they arrived from the heavily-shelled city of Mariupol.
The street of Queen’s Drive, near Barassie beach, has been transformed into a sea of blue and yellow after neighbours pledged to help.
Two households have taken in refugees, with Ukrainian-born Olga Drover (Grechukha) taking in her dad Yuiry Grechukha and her friend Anna Kyryzliieva.
Selfless resident Jinty Maxwell decided to help out and has taken in another Ukrainian woman.
Mum-of-two Jinty, 57, said:“I was going to have someone in anyway because of the situation and, basically, you help when you can in anything.
“It’s also a good thing for kids to see that when things happen like this in the world, you just down tools and help.
“It has been a rewarding experience and really interesting to learn about their cultures.”
Jinty has told how a neighbour secretly arranged the flag display first in support of Olga who had lost contact with her parents.
She said:“One of my neighbours had phoned around and asked everyone if they wanted one.
“It was when Olga’s parents hadn’t been found yet, you could see her walking to and from school just looking so miserable and then one day the flags were all up when she came back.
“It really cheered her up, they have just stayed there throughout to continue to show support.”
Olga’s husband Kenton praised the show of solidarity from Queens Drive neighbours and said:“It must have happened overnight.
“One morning we just woke up and there were Ukrainian flags all along the street.
“It was a big support to my wife, she was really struggling and waiting for weeks for news from Ukraine.
“Our neighbours have been an amazing support in welcoming Olga’s family and friends.”