Perth and Kinross residents showed support in their droves for Ukraine this week.
A sizeable crowd gathered on Perth's North Inch to mark Ukraine Independence Day on Wednesday, August 24.
Perth and District Pipe Band led a procession of local groups, organisations, councillors and Ukrainians including St Johnstone FC midfielder Max Kucheriavyi.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine six months ago, Perth and Kinross has welcomed over 300 displaced Ukrainians.
Dnipro Kids charity chairman - and now Perth and Kinross councillor - Steven Carr was the man behind Wednesday night's event which involved a parade, speeches, food and entertainment.
Cllr Carr has been helping Ukrainian children for years through Dnipro Kids - a charity he set up with fellow Hibs fans following a tie with Dnipro in 2005. After the war broke out he travelled to Ukraine and rescued dozens of orphans from Dnipro bringing them to safety in Scotland.
In May, he was elected as an SNP councillor for Strathallan ward.
Ukraine Independence Day commemorates the day - August 24, 1991 - when Ukraine became independent from the former Soviet Union. Concerned that declaration for Ukraine to be "indivisible and inviolable" was now under threat, Cllr Carr called on the council and local community to show solidarity with the country and mark Ukraine Independence Day.
A host of organisations including 7th Perthshire (Methven) Cubs, Letham Majorettes and students from Julie Young Dance Studios took part.
After leading a parade from the 51st Memorial Monument across Perth's North Inch Provost Xander McDade welcomed those attending.
He said: "It's great to have such a crowd here for Ukraine. It's obviously six months since the war broke out.
"Perth and Kinross was one of the first local authorities in the country to demonstrate our support for the nation and continues to be one of the strongest in the UK. It's great to have such a strong show of our support today."
The Provost got a loud round of applause when he added: "I hope that when we come together next year that will be to celebrate independence again from Russia.
"I want you to know Perth and Kinross will continue to support you and your country for as long as is necessary."
Organiser Cllr Steven Carr said: "This evening is an opportunity to show our support and welcome you to Perth, to meet each other and possibly create new Ukrainian communities. So welcome to Perth!"
St Johnstone FC star Max Kucheriavyi was bowled over by the crowd.
He told the Perthshire Advertiser : "I did not expect to see so many people here today. It's not just Ukrainians who are here. It's good to see so many people here."
Olha Protsenko left the Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv in the south of Ukraine with her two sons aged seven and four and arrived in Perth and Kinross two and half months ago.
Olha said: "We are staying with a family in Meigle and they have offered us a safe place to stay.
"They are lovely and helpful. We have met amazing people. They are all kind and helpful."
Entertainment was laid on as those gathered chatted together over food.
Afterwards, organiser Steven Carr said: "The feedback I received from Ukrainian families was excellent. I think it was a great success and a huge thank you to all involved."
