AN IMPRESSIVE specially commissioned bronze monument is to be unveiled at Lendalfoot next month to mark the last resting place of a Russian cruiser.
Ever since 1920 the 'Varyag' was wrecked on the treacherous rocks 500 metres from the shore, it has become an icon in Russian culture.
South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan, Councillor Hugh Hunter, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, local
Councillors and other dignitaries will officially unveil the monument at a ceremony at Carlton Port on September 8.
Such is the place the Varyag holds in Russian history that a large group of senior Russian politicians, naval personnel and prominent business people will fly into Prestwick International Airport on a specially chartered flight from Moscow to lead the memorial ceremony.
In addition a Russian naval ship will be anchored off the coast of Lendalfoot during the weekend when the ceremony takes place.
The monument has been designed and paid for by members of the Russian Charity Foundation for the Support of the Navy Cruiser 'Varyag'.
In 2006 a memorial tablet in memory of the 'Varyag' was placed at Lendalfoot, but the Russian people wanted to have a more significant memorial.
The unveiling and dedication of the memorial will be broadcast live across Russia so that as many Russians as possible can see the memorial, Lendalfoot and South Ayrshire.
In August last year a memorial plaque was unveiled at the spot by Provost Sloan, with Russian sailors and dignitaries in attendance.
