Ukraine colours to shine on St Magnus Cathedral

St Magnus Cathedral is due to be lit up this weekend in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

The announcement comes after Orkney Islands Council agreed to explore options for housing refugees.

Elected Members agreed at yesterday’s meeting of the Full Council to emblazon the Cathedral in yellow and blue — the colours of the Ukraine flag — across three nights.

It was also agreed that the council should review its policy on lighting up public buildings to include humanitarian causes.

The lighting up of the building follows a tremendous outpouring of public support in Orkney for the people of Ukraine, including multiple fundraising efforts and the gathering of supplies to be sent to the under-siege country.

Members also agreed to participate in the UK Government’s Ukraine Family Scheme and/or Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine — if suitable private sector accommodation can be secured. This could mean housing up to two refugee families.

Yesterday’s Full Council meeting was the final scheduled meeting of the 2017 – 2022 council term, with local elections due to take place in May.