Dear Provost,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

It is honour and privilege for me to be here today at the Memorial site of the legendary Russian cruiser Varyag, especially now in the early November when we celebrate symbolic date of the Varyags’ first sail which took place on 1^st of November 1899, more than a century ago.

 

I would like to remind you briefly why this legend is still so vivid and sacred for every Russian heart. This legendary cruiser and its crew made themselves immortal for the Battle of Chemulpo Bay against the entire Japanese squadron during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, displaying outstanding courage and heroism. After the exhausting battle against 14 Japanese warships the crew decided not to surrender, but to sink the ship.  All sailors were greeted as heroes at home. This feat has been an inspiration for the generations of the Russian Navy sailors and is massively known in my country for the outstanding stoicism of the heroes of the cruiser. The name of the Varyag lives on in Russia – a flagship guard missile cruiser of the Russian Pacific Fleet bears the name.

 

Due to the rich and proud history, Scotland naturally hosts the great number of the historical heritage sites, many of them have clear Russian connection commemorating both tragic and valiant pages of our joint history.

 

There are a number of monuments in Scotland dedicated to those who took part at the Great Patriotic War and the War-time Alliance between our country and Great Britain in 1941-1945. The Arctic Convoys memorials were built on the Orkney Islands and in the Cove, Loch Ewe. Undertaking the most dangerous journey in the world sailors of the Convoys challenged not only the superior forces but the elements themselves. Being outgunned and outnumbered in the frozen wasteland of the Arctic, the Convoys prevailed against all odds. Many brave heroes never returned home from this mission.

 

There is an International Submarine Memorial in Dundee commemorating sailors who lost their lives, including a Russian submarine crew. The commemorative plaque in honour of Russian air pilots was unveiled at the Errol airfield.

 

Why did I list all these sites? My point is simple. This is a clear evidence that despite all differences there has always been and I hope will be a spirit of brotherhood between our nations – we share proud past and we are able to help each other in difficult times.

 

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We at the Consulate General of Russia in Edinburgh have a good tradition. Every year we try visiting all the monuments to pay tribute to these real heroes of the past together with the local communities. And what I found the most touching about it is the attitude of the local people, who don’t have to know all the twists and turns of the bilateral agenda and historic events, but nevertheless take a daily care of these monuments, worry about its destiny. We really owe you a lot.

 

Thank you!