At the end of November 2025, Beth Newman returned from her second visit to Lviv, Ukraine in support of Pickups For Peace, a charity initially organised by Scottish farmers to support Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion. Beth, Islay's local vet whose practice is based in Bowmore, tells Glen and Jolyon about her experience driving from Islay to western Ukraine in a used pickup (trip 1) and a used van (trip 2), each packed with vital supplies and heading to provide urgently-needed support to the front lines in eastern Ukraine. She also explains how we can each support this charity.

For more information, visit https://pickupsforpeace.co.uk

Or contact the Islay Vet Surgery by email at [email protected]

Acknowledgements

Guest: Beth Newman

Many thanks to Beth for sharing her thoughts about her trips to Ukraine with the Pickups 4 Peace network and the support she received from Islay and Jura residents.

Hosts: Glen Roberts and Jolyon Thurgood

Music :  Carol of the Bells - This version is from White_Records on Pixabay 171731 
This song is derived from a traditional folk song celebrating New Year, which kids used to sing while walking around the village from one house to another collecting presents and lollies. The original name of the song is "Shchedryk" - generosity in the Ukraine language. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OUJLYLtqSs for a traditional version of this song.

Production: Jean MacLellan, Greig Barker, Gordon Bermingham and Jolyon Thurgood