Yet amid the danger, he carried something unexpectedly tender: handwritten letters and drawings from primary school children in Arbroath to children living under the shadow of war in north-eastern Ukraine. Why are Arbroath children sending letters to Ukraine? Mr Gethins is no stranger to the country. Alongside formal discussions, Mr Gethins brought symbolic gifts from Angus – tartan and the Angus shield. He loved the connection with Angus,” Mr Gethins said.