EDINBURGH, 13 March 2026 — The Scottish Parliament hosted the ceremonial opening of the exhibition “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom”, prepared by the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN).

The exhibition presents the dramatic story of the journey of Polish soldiers and civilians who, after leaving Soviet captivity with the army of Władysław Anders, travelled thousands of kilometres through Central Asia and the Middle East to continue the fight for the freedom of Europe during the Second World War.

Presidential Message

During the ceremony, Agnieszka Jędrzak – Undersecretary of State at the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, read a letter from the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki.

In his message, the President emphasised the centuries-old ties between Poland and Scotland and highlighted the role Scotland played in the lives of many Poles during the Second World War.

Mrs Jędrzak attended the commemorations as the official representative of the President of Poland and addressed the audience, stressing the importance of preserving the memory of the Polish Armed Forces and their contribution to the Allied struggle for freedom.

Guests and Participants

The event brought together representatives of the Scottish Parliament, the diplomatic corps, historians, veterans’ organisations and members of the Polish and Scottish communities.

Among those attending were Agnieszka Jędrzak, Undersecretary of State at the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland; Annie Wells MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament; Lezley Marion Cameron, Deputy Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh; Dr Karol Polejowski – Vice president of The Polish Institute of Remembrance, Alex Lobban Chair of Ayr & Prestwick Branch Royal Air Forces Association and Dr Mirosław Sycz, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh.

Also present were Richard Demarco, Professor Emeritus and internationally recognised Scottish artist known for his long-standing support of Poland and Polish culture, and Iwona Golińska, representing the Polish Sue Association, which partnered with IPN in organising the commemorations in Scotland.

Military representatives also attended the ceremony including Krzysztof Stolarczyk, Senior Officer representative of Defence Attaché Office at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London.

Welcome at the Scottish Parliament

The event was opened by Annie Wells MSP, who welcomed guests to the Scottish Parliament.

In his remarks, dr. Karol Polejowski – thanked Annie Wells for hosting the exhibition and supporting the commemorations. Her contribution was warmly recognised by the audience and she received a long round of applause.

“The courage of the people of Clydebank and the bravery of Polish sailors who helped defend the city during the Blitz are an important part of our shared Scottish-Polish history. It was an honour to support this commemoration at the Scottish Parliament.”

— Annie Wells MSP

Cultural Programme

A particularly memorable moment of the evening was a concert performed by a renounced Scottish piper, Steven Dewar, who played „Scotland The Brave” and created a unique and moving atmosphere during the event and added a traditional Scottish ceremonial character to the gathering.

Young Generation Present

The ceremony was also attended by many representatives of the younger generation of Poles born in Scotland, including Polish Scouts from the “Baltic” Troop, as well as pupils and students from local schools.

Their presence demonstrated how the memory of the wartime alliance between Poland and Scotland continues to inspire younger generations.

The Story of the “Trails of Hope”

The exhibition recalls one of the most important chapters of the Second World War — the fate of hundreds of thousands of Polish citizens deported deep into the Soviet Union and their road to freedom.

Their journey led through Persia, the Middle East and Italy, culminating in the victorious Battle of Monte Cassino.

The exhibition presents both the military effort of the soldiers of the 2nd Polish Corps and the experiences of thousands of civilians — women, children and the elderly — who travelled this “trail of hope” alongside the army.

Polish Sue and the Preservation of Shared History

For the Polish Sue Association, participation in the commemorations is part of its long-standing work to preserve and promote the history of Polish sailors and soldiers connected with Scotland.

For many years the organisation has actively commemorated the legacy of the Polish Navy and the presence of Polish armed forces in Scotland during the Second World War, including the history of the destroyers ORP Piorun and ORP Błyskawica.

The commemorations held in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Clydebank highlighted the shared history of Poland and Scotland and honoured the heroism of Polish sailors who fought for the freedom of Europe.

A Memorable Evening

The opening of the exhibition at the Scottish Parliament formed part of the wider commemorations marking the 85th anniversary of the defence of Clydebank during the German air raids of March 1941, when Polish sailors from the destroyer ORP Piorun helped defend the town, its shipyard and its people from attacks by the Luftwaffe.

The evening at the Scottish Parliament proved to be a great success, bringing together representatives of Poland and Scotland in a shared act of remembrance, culture and historical reflection.

For many of those present, it was a historic and deeply moving occasion that will remain in memory for years to come.

See photo gallery of this beautiful evening.

Text : Polish Sue

Photos: Polish Sue