Drawing by Ukrainian girl to feature on Edinburgh MP Christmas cards
12 year old Amelia Marchenko's design will feature on Ian Murray's official cards this year
A drawing by a Ukrainian girl in Edinburgh will be used on the front of the Scottish Secretary’s official Christmas cards.
Amelia Marchenko and her family fled the war in Ukraine in 2022, moving from the Donetsk region to Scotland’s capital.
The 12 year old took part in a competition at the Ukrainian Community Centre to design this year’s card, and was among dozens of young people who submitted entries.
Her winning design features a blonde angel and a Christmas tree, and will be displayed on the front of Edinburgh South’s MP Ian Murray’s Christmas cards.
"I was really happy"
Amelia told Greatest Hits Radio about the design, saying: “I was looking out the window, and I see a big tree, so I can do the Christmas tree, and then I thought something about Christmas and did the angel, I was really happy.”
Mr Murray met many of the young people who use the centre when he visited earlier this year.
He said: “As we gather to celebrate this festive season, I am absolutely delighted that we are sharing this special Christmas card featuring artwork by the very talented Amelia Marchenko. All the designs submitted by the Ukrainian children were fantastic, but hers definitely edged it.
“Having visited Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Community Centre’s teens club in August, I was inspired by their creativity, resilience and spirit. Amelia’s beautiful design represents not only the joy of the season, but also the warmth of Scotland's welcome to those Ukrainians who have made our country their home.
“I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a bright New Year.”
This is the first time the Scotland Office has run a competition for its Christmas card design and the children, aged between 5-16, were invited to submit artwork, in any medium, that captured the essence of Christmas and the spirit of peace and goodwill.
"I wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas"
Electronic versions of the card with the winning design will be sent by Mr Murray to organisations and stakeholders across Scotland.
Amelia's mum Larysa said: "We have found a safe haven in Scotland.
"Under the protection of the Scottish Government and with the support of the Scottish people here, far from our homeland, we and our children preserve Ukrainian traditions, culture and language, which Russia has been trying to destroy for several centuries.
"We appreciate and are infinitely grateful for this opportunity.
"We appreciate and are infinitely grateful for this opportunity"
"Now we have a unique chance to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of Scotland, to become part of society.
"And children can learn, develop and freely express their opinions both in words and in creativity.
"Thank you, Scotland, for your support and protection."
Amelia received a congratulatory letter and certificate from the Secretary of State, and her original artwork will be framed and displayed in the Scotland Office.
She also painted an image of a Santa hat and sleigh, which will also be used for Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill’s official Christmas card.