Ex-Tennent's worker unmasked as Scots mercenary fighting for Vladimir Putin in Ukraine

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A former Tennent’s Brewery worker has been unmasked as the second Scots mercenary fighting for Vladimir Putin in Ukraine.

Jay Fraser, from Dunblane, Stirlingshire has told how he cut ties with family to join Russian forces on the frontline in Eastern Europe.

A propaganda video has emerged showing him in military gear with a Russian flag cap. The 24-year-old said: “I burned all my bridges and came here.”

In another clip, Fraser declares: “I believe this is a war not only between Russia and Ukraine, but also a war between Eastern and Western civilisation.”

Fraser was once an apprentice with Tennent’s at the brewers Wellpark home in Glasgow.

It has been reported that Fraser received a “warm welcome” from Russian fighters.

His life has taken a very different path to where he was four years ago. In 2020, Fraser was snapped standing alongside then SNP MP John Nicolson as the politician attempted to pour pints of Tennent’s.

The SNP politician wrote at the time: “It was great to welcome my constituent Jay Fraser to parliament earlier today — I was delighted to present him with an award for his work as a brewing apprentice.”

Fraser also appeared in articles promoting a career with the brewing giant.

Fraser admitted in another clip that he has committed a crime by taking up arms for Russia as he burned all his bridges to join Putin’s forces.

He said: “I realise that, Yes, I realise there is no going back, but I never thought of starting a family in the West with all the new realities.

“That’s why I burned all my bridges and came here.”

However in a U-turn, Fraser later shares in another clip, he he’d love to return to Scotland with a Russian bride and open his own brewery.

He says: “Yeah, that’s the plan, to meet a nice Russian girl and marry her. They’re much better-looking here than in Scotland.”

He explains to the Russians that he brewed “Scottish ale”, and was told this was “cool”.

Asked if his family could face scrutiny from authorities back in the UK, he said: “I thought about it, but for me it is also important, and I hope that the game is worth it.

"Not all of my side of the family is on my side. And I’m sure they won’t come here, no matter how much pressure the state puts on them.”

On their reaction, he explains: “They didn’t take it very well that I was leaving the peace of Scotland to go to war in Russia.

“But they also saw my determination that I was final in my decision and that no words could change my mind, so they accepted it.”

Fraser said he has picked up “a little” Russian after completing two nights in the warzone.

He insists: “I’m very happy to be here. I’ve always been a man of books, more into theory. I’m glad to be directly involved. It’s new emotions — new sensations for me.”

Asked what he felt fighting alongside Russians, he goes on: “I was very much welcomed.

“I am very surprised by such a warm welcome, despite the fact that I am from a country that is extremely aggressive towards Russia. I am happy to have such a welcome.”

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He claimed to have read works by 19th century Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov, who is said to have had Scots ancestry.

Last night, Mr Nicolson, who lost his seat at the general election, said: “MPs meet, briefly, a wide range of people as part of their work.

"I strongly support Ukraine in its battle for survival against Putin’s murderous thuggery.”

Police Scotland said: “We are aware of this information and inquiries are ongoing.”

It comes after fellow Scot Ross McElvenny was exposed as also joining up arms with Putin.

McElvenny, 25, from Newton Mearns lost his eye whilst in combat, after his military vehicle was shelled in the Donetsk region of Ukraine.

It is understood that McElvenny is in hospital in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.

Despite his serious injury he has defiantly said he has “no regrets” over making the move to join Putin’s forces.

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