Orkney Celebrates Ukrainian and Scottish Folklore During Refugee Festival Scotland

Orkney Islands Council has organised two events as part of Refugee Festival Scotland this month, celebrating the cultural heritage and creative contributions of Ukrainian refugees now living in Orkney. 

A new exhibition, Roots - A Dialogue Between Ukrainian and Scottish Mythology, opens at the Pier Arts Centre in Stromness on Friday 12 June and runs until Saturday 21 June 2026. 

The exhibition explores similarities between Ukrainian and Scottish folklore, highlighting how both cultures have been shaped by strong connections to the natural world and traditions rooted in myth and storytelling. 

It has been organised by Orkney Islands Council’s Resettlement team in partnership with the Pier Arts Centre and is free to visit. The opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5.00pm. 

The exhibition follows a successful workshop held at The Kelp Store in Papa Westray on 6 June, where participants explored Petrykivka painting, a traditional Ukrainian folk art form,  under the guidance of Ukrainian artist and Orkney resident Alina Filatova. 

Both events form part of Refugee Festival Scotland, an annual programme celebrating the cultures, experiences and contributions of refugees and people seeking asylum across Scotland.