Polish WWII soldiers honoured in Scotland [INTERVIEW]

Recent commemorations in Scotland have celebrated the legacy of Polish WWII soldiers and the enduring ties between the two countries.

The "Trails of Hope: The Odyssey of Freedom" exhibition documents the remarkable journey of Polish soldiers and civilians who were evacuated from the Soviet Union in 1942.

Image courtesy of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance (IPN)

Events held in cities including Glasgow, Clydebank and Edinburgh, as well as at the Scottish Parliament, have highlighted the shared historical bonds between Poland and Scotland.

Scotland remains one of the key places where the memory of Polish soldiers who fought in World War II is preserved, with ceremonies and exhibitions drawing attention to their contributions.

Among the initiatives is the Trails of Hope: The Odyssey of Freedom exhibition, organised by Poland's Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), a state-run history institution.

💬 “Your dedicated service at the school shows that the presence of Poland and Poles in Scotland and Perth is also measured through everyday commitment to local community life. For this engagement and care, please accept words of gratitude and recognition!” - said the Deputy Head… https://t.co/zTxImslUfD pic.twitter.com/xs9SilawsW

— Institute of National Remembrance (@ipngovpl_eng) April 18, 2026

The exhibition has been showcased at several venues in Scotland, including the parliament in Edinburgh and in Clydebank, where it accompanied commemorations marking the 85th anniversary of the German bombing of the town in March 1941.

Photos: Polish Institute of National Remembrance

"This exhibition has been prepared to present the history of Poles outside occupied Poland during World War II—civilians, soldiers and those evacuated from the Soviet Union in 1942," Karol Polejowski, acting head of the IPN, told Kamila Lutostańska.

Kamila Lutostańska. Photo: Polish Radio

"For us, it's important to show this history in the local context," he added.

Karol Polejowski. Photo: Polish Radio

Trails of Hope: The Odyssey of Freedom is currently on display at the Perth Museum in central Scotland.

A touch of Scotland at the opening of the IPN exhibition “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” in Perth.

The sound of the bagpipes marked a symbolic start to the exhibition, connecting Polish history with local tradition and setting the tone for a story about the journey to… pic.twitter.com/Z5ULqEdwnU

— Institute of National Remembrance (@ipngovpl_eng) April 20, 2026

Click on the audio player above to hear the interview.