Colin Beattie MSP has today marked the 92nd anniversary of Holodomor, the term used to describe the Soviet State and Josef Stalin creating a man-made famine between 1923-1933 that killed between 3.5-7 million Ukrainians.
 
Commenting Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“23rd November marks Holodomor Memorial Day. It is important we remember the victims of this inhumane, cruel act and express solidarity with the people of Ukraine who were victims of this genocide.
 
“As we commemorate this act of genocide, we should also continue to show our ongoing support for Ukraine as we observe the sheer brutality and inhumanity of the Russian State's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
 
“It is important we remember this tragic act and work together to ensure that this can never happen again.”
ENDS

Colin Beattie MSP has reaffirmed his determination to secure long-awaited improvements at Sheriffhall Roundabout, ensuring that the voices of local constituents are heard at the highest levels of government.

Following significant engagement with residents and businesses, Colin has been pressing the Scottish Government to prioritise this critical upgrade. The Scottish Government has confirmed that the Sheriffhall project remains a central part of its £300 million investment through the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal. This transformative scheme will not only ease congestion but also deliver safer, greener travel options, including enhanced walking, cycling, and public transport links.

Colin Beattie MSP said:
"I know how vital these improvements are for people across Midlothian North and Musselburgh. I have made sure those concerns are represented at the heart of government, and I welcome the clear commitment to move this project forward. Sheriffhall is a key junction, and these changes will make a real difference to daily journeys while supporting our wider goals of sustainability and connectivity."

The project is currently progressing through statutory procedures, including consideration of recommendations from the recent Public Local Inquiry. While these steps take time, they are essential to ensure fairness and transparency. Once this process concludes, a timetable for delivery will be set.

"This is about getting it right for our communities. I will continue to push for progress and keep constituents updated every step of the way," Colin added.

The Sheriffhall upgrade forms part of the SNP Government’s Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), which prioritises sustainable investment and improved public transport across Scotland. These measures will help reduce car dependency, cut congestion, and support a cleaner, greener future.

Colin Beattie MSP remains committed to ensuring that local voices shape decisions and that vital infrastructure improvements are delivered as quickly as possible.

ENDS

Edinburgh, 12 November 2025 - The Scottish Parliament came alive last night with The Light We Share: Ukrainians Enriching Scotland, a powerful celebration of culture, creativity, and community. The event brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, artists, and members of the Ukrainian community to celebrate the profound cultural impact Ukrainians continue to make across Scotland.
Over the past few years, Ukrainian creatives have become a visible part of Scotland’s cultural scene. Ukrainian artists have exhibited work at the V&A Dundee, Ukrainian performers have taken the stage at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and performances have brought new energy to the Edinburgh Fringe and other Scottish festivals.

Hosted by Colin Beattie MSP, with addresses from Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Equalities of Scotland, Consul of Ukraine Andrii Madzianovskyi, and Zhenya Dove, Chair of the Culture Working Group, the evening showcased how art and creativity can transcend hardship, uniting communities through shared expression.

Hosted by Colin Beattie MSP, with addresses from Kaukab Stewart MSP, Consul of Ukraine Andrii Madzianovskyi, and Zhenya Dove, Chair of the Culture Working Group, the evening showcased how art and creativity can transcend hardship, uniting communities through shared expression.

In her remarks, Kaukab Stewart MSP reflected on the deepening relationship between the two nations:
“I am really pleased to have this opportunity to celebrate the many ways in which Ukrainians are both enriching Scotland’s culture and sharing in our heritage as well. The people of Ukraine have become interwoven in Scotland’s story. We now have a shared history that will shape both nations for many generations to come.”

Colin Beattie MSP, who sponsored the event, said:
“It’s an honour to sponsor such a landmark event - a moment to celebrate how Ukrainians who sought refuge from war are now shaping and enriching the cultural life of Scotland.”
Consul of Ukraine Andrii Madzianovskyi, speaking on behalf of his nation, conveyed his sincere appreciation:

“On behalf of Ukraine, I extend my deep gratitude to our Scottish friends for your solidarity, for your warmth and support. May this evening strengthen our friendship and inspire us to continue standing together - for culture, for freedom, and for our bright future.”

Zhenya Dove closed the evening with words of gratitude and hope:
“Creativity doesn’t just survive the hardest journeys; it transforms them. It turns rubble into stages and loss into light. That light, the one that refuses to go out, that’s the Ukrainian spirit. And tonight, it shines here with us.”

The event featured a live performance by students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a cultural showcase curated by the Museum of Ukrainian Craft and Culture Scotland, highlighting the remarkable ways in which Ukrainian artists, educators, and communities have enriched Scottish cultural life.

The event was attended by over 160 guests, including MSPs, members of the Consular Corps, cultural leaders, and representatives from key Scottish and Ukrainian organisations.

Among the distinguished attendees were Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Science and Technology, representatives from the Consulates of China, Japan, Poland, Romania, Germany, Austria and Turkey, as well as leaders from the British Council, Baillie Gifford, Wheatley Foundation, EVOC, the University of Edinburgh, Napier University, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Museums and Galleries  Scotland.
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Photo Credits: Cro & Ko