Provost gives a real Falkirk welcome to twinning friends from Germany

They were clearly delighted to be met by Provost Billy Buchanan in full civic regalia, along with council leader Cecil Meiklejohn and others.

The pair were in Falkirk to mark the 50th anniversary of the twinning between the town and Odenwald in Germany,.

Detlef Kuhn, the vice chairman of Odenwald’s Schottland Vereinigung (twinning organisation), was presented with a commemorative quaich by the Provost - along with a bow tie in Bonnybridge tartan.

The importance of the link between the two areas, forged half a century ago, was reinforced at a special civic reception in the municipal buildings.

There was also an exchange of the Certificates of Declaration of continuing friendship between Falkirk Council and the Odenwaldkreis.

During their trip the German visitors also took in not only the Trossachs and Edinburgh but also key Falkirk landmarks including the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel and Callendar House.

The visit followed a memorable 50th anniversary tour to Germany by Falkirk’s Odenwald Association earlier this year, involving several local musical groups and a special Scottish night entertainment.

Taking part were the Jenkins School of Highland Dancing, Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir, local bands The Tonkerers, Glenbervie Folk Duo, and Lads wi’ Gear, and assorted parents and friends.