A Kirkcaldy man who spent a week in Kos helping refugees fleeing Syria was so affected by the experience that he is planning to return next month.
Grant Blair, 63, is a retired teacher and a member of Refuge Fife, the group set up last year to support refugees across Europe.
Desperate to do more than just raise funds, Grant has now bought a one-way ticket back to Greece where he will link up with other volunteers involved in feeding and clothing the hundreds of refugees who make the crossing from Turkey to Greece every day.
Before he leaves, Grant, who is an RNLI sea safety officer and experienced sailor, will be hosting an event at Burntisland Sailing Club, showing people just what refugees are putting themselves through in an effort to reach safety.
Journeys Across The Sea aims to help Fifers understand more about this particular group of reluctant sailors, and includes the screening of a film made by Grant on his recent trip to Kos.
“As someone who loves the sea and enjoys sailing, the things I saw in Kos had a huge impact on me,” said Grant.
“I know what a seaworthy boat looks like, so I was horrified to see what the refugees were risking their lives in.
“They weren’t experienced sailors just as well, or they’d never have set foot in those boats.
“These poor men, women and children undertake perilous sea journeys to escape the horrors that are occurring in their war-torn homelands.
“I want them to know that we support them and are prepared to help.”
The event at Burntisland Sailing Club will be co-hosted by Adnan Miyasar, an Iraqi refugee who now lives in Fife and who accompanied Grant to Kos.
Both men paid all costs for the trip themselves.
Councillor Marie Penman is the vice-chairwoman of Refuge Fife and she stressed that every penny raised by Refuge Fife goes directly towards helping refugees.
“Grant is an inspiration to us all,” she added. “Although most people sympathise with the terrible situation the refugees are in, not many are brave enough to put their lives on hold to go out there and help.
“I have nothing but admiration for him.”
Journeys Across The Sea is at Burntisland Sailing Club on Thursday February 4 at 7.30pm. Free tickets are available via www.burntislandsailing.org.uk/journeys-across-the-sea.
A collection for Refuge Fife will be taken on the night.