West Dunbartonshire Council has joined in the worldwide demonstrations of support for Ukraine and its people by raising the country's flag outside its two main civic buildings.

The Ukrainian flag is flying above both the authority's HQ in Church Street in Dumbarton and Clydebank Town Hall.

The Church Street offices are also being illuminated in blue in a show of solidarity with Ukraine.

The council's leader, Councillor Jonathan McColl, said: “West Dunbartonshire’s citizens and elected representatives stand in unity with Scotland, the UK and all civilised nations in condemning Putin’s aggression.

“The images of civilians being targeted and people fleeing for their lives are hard to watch, but juxtaposed with that are pictures and stories of great heroism with ordinary Ukrainian citizens joining their armed forced in defence of their nation.

"We fully support Ukraine’s efforts to repel this attack on their sovereignty, are in awe and admiration at their resilience, and stand ready to play our part in housing refugees of this war.

”We also stand “I encourage our citizens to donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal at www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal. Every pound donated to this appeal will be matched by the UK Government, so the help you give will be doubled.”

Depute Provost Karen Conaghan added: “We have all been horrified by the events in Ukraine and we are standing in support of their nation by flying the Ukrainian flag and illuminating our buildings.

"We want the people of Ukraine, as well as everyone else touched by the situation, to know that they are in our thoughts.”