https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-67284564
A Borders music venue is searching for more information about the Polish soldiers believed to be behind folk art paintings on its ceiling.
The designs were only highlighted by architects during a recent survey of the former church in Galashiels.
Research by staff at the MacArts venue suggests Polish soldiers billeted in the church hall were responsible.
MacArts manager Chris Wemyss said: “We are told the ceiling was painted by the soldiers as a thank you.”
Tens of thousands of Polish soldiers were billeted in the Borders during and after World War Two.
Many were used to guard the east coast of Scotland from a Nazi invasion, while others prepared for a return to the frontlines of Europe at local training camps.
@HebrideanHecate @TriptychTwinsRidesAgain I always felt bad for them. They didn't go back to much and if they fought under British command the soviets chucked a lot of them In prison. Same with the Czechs.
@sullybiker @TriptychTwinsRidesAgain Absolutely, caught between a rock and a hard place, which is why a number of them stayed in the UK.
@TriptychTwinsRidesAgain @sullybiker Woman who used to teach here came of same stock on her dad’s side, grandfather was a Polish pilot.
@TriptychTwinsRidesAgain @HebrideanHecate It's interesting here spotting a lot of slavic names that got anglicized either by the individual or by some immigration officer at Ellis Island just going "Fuck it"
