The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Russian billionaire brings convoy museum step closer
Heritage: £50,000 donation comes amid new call to give veterans medal
Plans for an Arctic convoy museum in the Highlands moved a step closer yesterday thanks to a donation of £50,000 from a Russian billionaire businessman and £5,000 from Veterans Minister Keith Brown.
And a Highland MSP is repeating his call for the UK Government to introduce a military medal for surviving veterans of the arduous voyages.
On February 6, 1942, the first of many convoys set sail fromlochewe ontheir perilous journey taking war supplies to Russia and, between 1941 and 1945, the Wester Ross community supported this key part of the war effort.
Locals are working hard to raise money for a museum at Aultbea to create a lasting legacy to the 3,000 men who died and to all who took part.
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Rob Gibson yesterday presented the £ 50,000 cheque from Moscow businessman Vasily Anisimov to Russian Arctic Convoy Museum Group vice-chairwoman Jacky Brookes during a Scottish Government reception for convoy veterans in the Trades Hall in Glasgow, hosted by Keith Brown.
The SNP MSP, who is the convener of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party group for Russia, also secured a debate in parliament on the subject of the convoys.
He said the donation was a great gesture of support and recognition for the role that Arctic convoys played during World War II and that he hoped it would encourage others to follow suit.
Mr Gibson said: “I would
“I hope that the UK Government can show their appreciation”
hope that the UK Governmentcanshowtheir appreciation for the actions of those who took part in the Arctic convoys by striking and presenting a military medal to surviving veterans. The Russian Federation Government has managed to do this so I think it only fit and proper that the Ukgovernmentfollow suit before there are none left alive.”
Mr Brown also called for amedal to be introduced to recognise veterans for their dedication and courage as he thanked the veterans and their families on behalf of Scotland and presented the £5,000 donation from the Scottish Government for the proposed museum.
Ms Brookes said: “As soon as Vasily Anisimov heard that there was a museum being planned, he i mmediately said he wantedto giveaninitialdonation to get it off the ground.
“We are absolutely delighted with these two donations, which will mean that we can seriously move forwards now, and we’re hoping that they will lead to further donations.”
She added that the group raised £6,000 last week withaworldwar II andthe Arctic Convoys Week, which attracted more than 1,200 people.