AN APPEAL has been launched in the Wee County to donate wellies to flood-hit Ukraine.

Café Ukraine in Dollar has launched the emergency appeal following the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power plant in the war-torn country's Kherson region.

The café, under 12 Bridge Street, is open for donations all day with people asked to ideally hand items in between 10am and 5pm whenever possible.

Alan Smart, the man behind Café Ukraine, said: “Even those whose homes have been all but destroyed in bomb attacks can at least return to their buildings to salvage whatever is left.

“In Kherson and its surrounding hamlets, villages and towns, people cannot even do that, so are in need of almost everything.

“Dry footwear in an near semi-permanently flooded area is at an absolute essential.

“And near every household in Scotland, in its rural parts in particular, will have at least one spare pair of wellies cluttering up a cupboard they could do without."

The café, located in a town which punched above its weight when it came to offering homes to Ukrainian refugees, is collecting almost everything a family might need to start over again.

Clothes, toiletries, sanitary products, power packs, batteries and candles are all desperately needed, and as quickly as possible.

While many are rallying round to help around Europe, Alan believes Scotland has a special contribution to make.

Indeed, he looked no further than the 1970s Billy Connolly classic If It Wasnae for Your Wellies for inspiration.

He added: “I doubt the citizens of the south of France will have a large stock of welly boots.

“But here in Scotland, they are a virtual essential to see us through our notoriously rainy winters.

“So boxes, even lorry loads of welly boots would say 'from Scotland with love' better than any song ever could.”

Cafe Ukraine is only accepting items, not cash, to be sent to Ukraine through Scottish networks.

Those who wish to phone ahead to ensure donations are received can do so on 07727 438343 or email cafeukraine2023@gmail.com.

The Kakhovka Dam was destroyed in the early hours of June 6, causing extensive flooding along the lower Dnipro river.

The nature of its collapse remains disputed.

Those looking to support appeals with funds can take a look at the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine appeal at dec.org.uk or may consider sending aid through President Zelenskyy's United24 appeal at u24.gov.ua.