On 13 March, the exhibition “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” prepared by the Instytut Pamięci Narodowej (Institute of National Remembrance – IPN) will be officially opened at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

This is far more than a historical exhibition. It is a powerful symbol of the enduring Polish-Scottish bond, rooted in shared sacrifice and a common struggle for freedom during the Second World War.

The opening ceremony, taking place at 5:30 pm in the Garden Lobby, will be attended by IPN Deputy President Dr Karol Polejowski and Annie Wells MSP.

The event will gather distinguished guests from Poland and abroad, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), community leaders, veterans’ representatives and notable public figures.

A Shared History of Courage

“Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” tells the story of Polish citizens from the outbreak of war in September 1939, through Soviet deportations, to the formation of the Polish Armed Forces in the West.

Scotland played a crucial role in this story. Polish soldiers, sailors and airmen were stationed here. Polish naval units operated from Scottish ports along the River Clyde.

It was here that a deep and lasting Polish-Scottish solidarity was forged — built on shared danger, mutual respect and a common fight against Nazi Germany.

More than 80 years later, that history remains alive — in family memories, in cemeteries, in monuments and in the strong ties between our nations.

85th Anniversary of ORP “Piorun”

This year’s commemorations are especially significant as they coincide with the 85th anniversary of the service of ORP “Piorun”, one of the most legendary destroyers of the Polish Navy.

ORP Piorun became famous for its courageous engagement with the German battleship “Bismarck” in May 1941.

Operating from British and Scottish ports, the ship worked alongside the Royal Navy, protecting Atlantic convoys and participating in key naval operations.

The ceremonies in Glasgow and Clydebank honour not only the ship and her crew, but also the wider Polish naval presence in Scotland during the war.

Glasgow and Clydebank – Memory Preserved

On 13 March, a restored monument to Polish Navy and Polish Merchant Navy sailors who served during WWII will be unveiled at Dalbeth Cemetery in Glasgow.

On 14 March, a renewed memorial plaque dedicated to the crew of ORP “Piorun” will be unveiled, followed by the opening of the “Trails of Hope” exhibition at Clydebank Town Hall.

These events will welcome official delegations from Poland and abroad, representatives of local authorities, veterans’ organisations and Scottish public figures — underlining the international importance of the commemorations.

Their involvement highlights the importance of institutional and media cooperation in preserving historical memory.

Polish Sue – Key Partner of IPN in the United Kingdom

The Polish Sue Association is honoured to serve as a Key Partner of IPN in the United Kingdom for these commemorations.

Our role includes organisational and media support, community engagement and strengthening connections between the Polish diaspora and Scottish institutions.

For Polish Sue, the legacy of the Polish Navy in Scotland — and particularly the story of ORP “Piorun” , ORP „Błyskawica” and other ships of the Polish Navy— forms an essential part of our mission to preserve and promote Polish history abroad.

Alongside Polish Sue and IPN, the initiative is supported by: Muzeum Marynarki Wojennej w Gdyni (Polish Navy Museum in Gdynia), Polish Combatants Memorial Group in Scotland, which has preserved Polish naval heritage in Scotland for decades, Media partners: TV Republika and Radio Wnet.

These events demonstrate that history is not merely a chapter of the past. It is a living foundation for friendship, respect and cooperation between nations.

Tekst: Polish Sue Association