A LARGS church minister has revealed he hopes to provide safe haven for a Ukranian family fleeing the war.

Reverend Dr Graham McWilliams, who serves the linked St Columba's Parish Church and Fairlie Parish Church as minister and oversees St John's Church and Cumbrae, told the News that his family have been moved by the Ukranian plight as millions flee the chaos in the country.

Graham lives in the manse in Fairlie with his wife Lesley, and they have two sons Lauder and Callum.

He said: "My wife and I have our own family home in Largs and we have registered to take in a Ukranian family.

"My son lives in Spain during the academic year as he is studying chemistry in the University of Zaragoza.

"One of his friends, Vova, contacted him to say he wouldn't be there when he returns as has gone home to Ukraine

"Callum has tried to keep in touch with Vova to see if his family needed a place to go. We would love have them but at this moment in time, communication is sporadic. When Callum last spoke to them he made the offer but they said that they are currently safe.

"Because of this we have decided to offer accommodation to a Ukranian family instead.

"The whole area has really got behind the Ukranian relief effort, which is really heartening to see. There have been so many fundraising events in Largs, Millport and West Kilbride, with lots of people offering accommodation to refugees."

Graham says he has been greatly moved by the scenes from Ukraine.

He added: "Since the beginning of the year, in addition to recognising the ongoing political events influencing our own nation, we have become more and more aware of the deepening crisis.

"What will become of this situation still remains an unknown. However, what I was always taught at school, and at church, is that actions speak louder than words.

"For many years there has been a strain in relations between east and west; and now it is coming to a head. However, while we are not sure what the end result will be, what we do know is that God will work through these conflicts to bring new shoots of life in ways we might not necessarily expect."