New tourism links and a mutual love of French wine were all on the agenda as an “Auld Alliance” was officially sealed at iconic Mearns tourist attraction.
Stonehaven welcomed a contingent from twinned-town Achères at the weekend, along with the French consul general for Scotland, to formally seal the first twinning agreement for the town.
Addressing the assembly during a reception at Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire’s Provost Bill Howatson said he hoped the new friendships being formed would be “long and successful”.
He said: “This raises memories of the long and famous connection between our two countries agreed in 1295 – an established friendship founded on the Scots love of French wine.”
The first for Stonehaven, the twinning came about when the deputy mayoress of Acheres visited the north east town with her husband while on holiday – a trip which sparked the idea of the new connection.
Last night the mayor Marc Honore said he thought it was now “even more important” to create new links within Europe.
He said: “This is the third twinning for Acheres. It’s good to reinforce European links and to keep diversifying with each other.”
The visitors were treated to entertainment from local Scottish country dancers and musical talent and also some Scottish traditional food.
The French consul to Scotland, Emmanuel Cocher, said he hoped the new ties would offer “friendly entry” to his country,
He added: “I’m very happy to welcome Stonehaven as one of the latest twinned towns with France. The twinning scene has been very lively – especially in the last ten years.
“But it’s not just about the signpost at the town entrances. This twinning reminds us of the diversities and variety of our relationships. It’s about us all having the same attitudes and it’s great to see that at a local level.”
Phil Mills-Bishop, chairman of the Stonehaven Twinning Group, was “hugely grateful” to everyone who brought about the twinning, but felt strongly that “atrophy should not set in”.
He added: “The future for Stonehaven lies in the growth from tourism and tourists making Stonehaven a destination.
“Moreover, the Twinning Concordat and the Twinning Group rationale is not just about money but also the rich interchange and understanding gained from culture, history, community, fraternity, sporting and education links that it brings.”