Welcome to AUGB edinburgh branch
about us - a brief history
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) exists to develop, promote and support the interests of the Ukrainian Community in the UK.AUGB in Scotland began in 1946 when Ukrainians came over to Scotland after the Second World War. Then in 1947 over 1000 Soldiers as Prisoners of War from the 1st Regiment of the Ukrainian Division(Ukrainian National Army) settled in Haddington, Prisoner of War Camp. By 1948 the majority of these former soldiers of the Ukrainian National Army signed as members of AUGB.
In 1949, the members started to settle into different areas of Scotland and hence different Branches started to form. Edinburgh being the first branch to form was based from 6 Mansionhouse Road, Edinburgh and soon after branches formed in Glasgow, Galashiels and Dundee. The majority of these members would donate most of their hard earned wages to the association in order to build for the future.
By the mid 1950's AUGB Edinburgh had moved to 8 Windsor Street - now the Consulate General of Ukraine. Then in 1963 our current location of 14 Royal Terrace was purchased. Once again, our members donated their wages and skills in order to develop our community.
The Ukrainian community in Scotland for the next quarter of a century thrived with the Ukrainian Youth Association playing a major role. Our branches had Ukrainian Dancing Groups, Ukrainian Choirs and Ukrainian Orchestras with regular dances (zabavas). Many competitions were won by our young Ukrainians.
By the late 1980's our once thriving communities started to dissipate with all our Branches with the exception of Edinburgh closing. Edinburgh became the base for Ukrainians from Scotland to get together and celebrate many Ukrainian events throughout the year. Ukrainian traditions and cultures continued and will continue for many years to come.
In the last few years, there has been a rejuvination within our community with more and more events taking place. Now we have a young and energetic committee who will be working very hard for the benefit for all Ukrainians in Scotland so watch this space...
updated 16/10/2008