The South Korean government has donated a shipment of high-quality face coverings to Scottish veterans of the Korean War in a generous effort to reduce their chances of contracting Covid-19.
Sometimes referred to as The Forgotten War, the conflict between North and South Korea began almost 70 years ago, on June 25, 1950.
To thank those from across the UK who travelled across the world to defend South Korea – officially known as the Republic of Korea – its government has sent 40,000 protective face coverings to UK veterans of the war.
And 30 have been sent to each of the 12 surviving north-east veterans of the conflict.
Sandy Fraser, 83, was just 18 years old when he travelled Korea as part of a peacekeeping force.
The Ellon resident said he was very grateful for the token of gratitude from the Korean government, and will be using the protective gear when out and about.
Mr Fraser served with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders.
He said: “I think it was very nice of the Koreans to send us these masks.
“Nicola Sturgeon says we should be wearing the masks while at the shops and out and about while this virus is on the go, so these will be handy.”
Chung Hee Cha, the president of the Aberdeen Korean Community, arranged for the delivery of the coverings to the north-east veterans, having organised events to support them for many years.
She said: “I heard on the Korean news that the Korean Government, because they are doing so well with Covid-19, would be giving away some spare masks.
“These masks are some of the best in the world. They are very special and are not usually exported to other countries.
“Right away, I phoned the Korean embassy in London, and so when these masks arrived I gave them the details of my network and they were sent out to the members.”
Ms Cha has also organised a delivery of South Korean hand sanitiser for the 12 north-east veterans from London-based businessman Byeong Kwon Son, of the Overseas Korean Traders Association.
Ms Cha added: “I’m so happy because they are all of a very vulnerable age, and it’s very dangerous if they get the virus.
“They are really like my extended family. They have phoned me up to say thank you and it has been really touching.”