Provost Winifred Sloan pictured with the children from Chernobyl at the County Buildings in Ayr
Sixteen children from Chernobyl have been welcomed to South Ayrshire by Provost Winifred Sloan.
The visit was organised by the Ayrshire Link of the Chernobyl Lifeline, formed in 1992, as a response to the Chernobyl nuclear power station accident in 1986, which put millions of children at high risk of developing cancer, leukaemia or other illnesses.
In South Ayrshire, the children receive free medical check-ups, health and dental care, while staying with host families.
Provost Sloan said: "We care very deeply about the young people affected by Chernobyl and, every year, I am moved to tears by the resilience, spirit and love shown by these fantastic young children, as they enjoy a taste of life in South Ayrshire.
"The positive effects of coming here, where they can breathe fresh air, enjoy clean and healthy food and enjoy the leisure facilities we offer, cannot be understated. It really can add precious years to their young lives.
"Allowing them a chance to escape the stresses of living in an area blighted by nuclear contamination, even temporarily, makes such a difference and I am always checking to make sure they go home refreshed and recharged by their short stay here.
"I've made many friends in the years the Ayrshire Link of the Chernobyl Lifeline has been undertaking this great work and I look forward to welcoming more children to South Ayrshire in 2012 and beyond."