Plans are in place to revitalise a once-thriving Angus twinning project which strengthened the ‘auld alliance’ as the rest of the country prepares to sever ties with the European Union.
For 43 years Kirriemuir has been twinned with Volvic in Auvergne, central France.
There have been numerous successful exchange visits enjoyed by all ages, but they have dwindled over the years.
Webster’s High School pupils enjoyed a strong relationship with their counterparts in the French town.
Now the Kirriemuir and District Town Twinning Association is holding a public meeting on September 17 to kick-start and strengthen the towns’ links.
An association spokesman said all interested parties and individuals are welcome to attend.
She said: “The concept of twinning was developed after World War Two, the primary values being friendship, co-operation and mutual awareness between the peoples of Europe, providing a sense of European unity and identity.
“A sustainable twinning partnership, based on exchanging views and sharing ideas with a sense of dynamism, responding to the needs and desires of the two communities, can offer so many benefits to the citizens of both places.
“Therefore, the aim of the Kirriemuir and District Twinning Association is to foster understanding and friendship between the two communities, through connecting groups from the two towns with common interests.
“This can only happen though with the involvement and participation of the town.”
The open meeting will be an opportunity to find out more about the twinning, but also a forum for sharing ideas and looking at how future projects might be developed.
She continued: “This is an exciting opportunity for the people of Kirriemuir to be part of a Europe-wide initiative that has been running successfully for decades.
“The group is currently collecting photos, memorabilia and anecdotes from the past to create a retrospective of the past 43 years, and are looking for contributions from anyone in the community who has been involved in past exchanges.”
Information and documents can be forwarded to kirremuirvolvic@hotmail.com
There is also a French conversation group that meets on the second Monday in the month at 8pm at 3 Bellies Brae, 8pm.
It is a free and informal soirée, not a class, and everyone is welcome to go along and brush up on their French.
The public meeting on September 17 is at 7pm in Kirrie Connections, Bank Street, Kirriemuir.
