Post #28435

🕯On February 17, a farewell ceremony was held in Edinburgh for Dairmid Gunn OBE, a man of outstanding personality, who over the years served as chairman of the Scottish branch of the Great Britain-USSR Association and vice-president of the Scotland-Russia Forum. Dairmid spoke excellent Russian and possessed a profound knowledge of Russian literature and art. He strove to convey it to Scottish audiences, sparking their interest in our country and instilling a respect for its history. Dairmid also made a significant contribution to preserving the memory of our peoples' joint struggle against Nazi Germany during World War II. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first Arctic Convoy, Gunn documented the experiences of Scottish veterans who had participated in these heroic missions in his book, "Cold Seas and Warm Friendships: An Allied Bridge Over the Arctic". Dairmid’s contributions were duly recognized in Russia – in 2018, he was awarded the Pushkin Medal. Despite his advanced age and the deteriorating political climate, Dairmid continued to deliver lectures in Edinburgh on the Scottish-Russian links and Russia's contribution to world literature and culture. In his speech at the farewell ceremony, Consul General of Russia in Edinburgh Denis Moskalenko honored the memory of Dairmid Gunn, who until his final days made every effort to foster mutual understanding between the peoples of Scotland and Russia. We express our deepest condolences to Dairmid's family and loved ones. He will forever remain in our hearts as a true friend of our country.