Kindness speaks volumes

As the war in Ukraine continues, with reports of thousands more Russian troops being sent in to the Donbas region, we heard from Taynuilt resident John Murphy, who has just returned from the country.

He spent five weeks volunteering with Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse, which uses the money given by its supporters to get volunteers out to where they are needed when disasters strike.

Part of his mission was being in charge of water sanitation and hygiene, setting up shower blocks and toilets at refugee centres and supporting field hospital work, making sure medical staff had enough water.

And yesterday, Dirk Campbell and Willie Flit were scheduled to leave for Ukraine with two van-loads of aid, with more pouring in.

There is little that is good about war and our hearts go out to all the refugees who have been forced to flee their country, or worse, have been unable to leave and are desperately trying to stay alive in this terrifying situation.

However, the shining light in all the darkness is the massive response we have seen from every single person who has volunteered or donated from Oban and beyond to help the Ukrainians.