Southend the perfect holiday retreat for Ukrainian family

It was through their host Marion’s Kintyre connections that the Ukrainian family ended up experiencing some Southend hospitality last month. 

“Although I now live in Surrey, I grew up in Glasgow and my grandfather was a Campbeltonian,” said Marion. “I am lucky to have holidayed in the area all my life and to have several very good friends locally.

“My family has had a caravan on the site at Machribeg in Southend for more than 50 years. Surrey is a lovely area, but I was very keen to show the family a bit of Scotland. 

“Ten of us came up for a week in August – in two caravans and a tent – and we did our best to show them everything!”

The group enjoyed lots of time at the beach, going for a swim one day, despite the wind and cool temperatures.

They took in all the Southend sights, including Dunaverty, Keil caves, St Columba’s footsteps and sampling cake at Muneroy Tearoom, as well as enjoying a bonfire on the beach and managing to spot some seals and dolphins from the window of the caravan.

They thanked James Barbour for allowing them to watch his cows being milked and Jim Martin for letting the kids – big and little – get up close and personal with some big tractors. 

They also explored other parts of Kintyre, including a trip to Beinn an Tuirc Distillers where they enjoyed a walk, a tour and some lunch, with a visit to Antony Gormley’s GRIP sculpture at Saddell Bay on the way back. 

Other highlights include a visit to Machrihanish Seabird and Wildlife Observatory, a short boat trip with Mull of Kintyre Sea Adventures and a walk over to Davaar Island to see the famous cave painting.

The family tasted some local cuisine in the form of fish and chips on Campbeltown’s Esplanade and lunch at Skipness Seafood Cabin, where they also explored the castle, and Nika also enjoyed lots of fun at Kintyre’s playparks. 

Yuliia and Kostya described Kintyre as “very beautiful” and “very green”, with “lovely beaches and hills, and so many animals.”

They also spoke of the “amazing, kind, friendly people” they met during their visit. 

“I really hope that their situation settles, and they will be safe to return home,” said Marion, “but, after two years, they are now very much part of the family and we will miss them dreadfully when the time comes. 

“Until then, I will keep planning their next trip to Kintyre to do all the things we didn’t have time for on this trip!”

The Southend community is keen to do its bit to support Ukrainians, with proceeds from a Southend Parish Church coffee morning next Saturday September 28 going to the Ukraine relief fund. 

Beginning at 10am, the fundraiser in St Blaan’s Hall will feature all the usual stalls and admission will be by donation.