The grandchildren of a beloved former Camelon chip shop owner have celebrated their dual heritage days before a world-famous festival takes place in Italy.

The Tuscany town of Barga will celebrate a historic connection to Scotland by hosting its internationally-renowned Scottish Festival from Friday, September 4, until Sunday, September 6.

Known as the ‘The Most Scottish Town in Italy’, Barga has links with the country dating back more than 100 years after generations of Italians emigrated to Scotland.

In 1895, Luigi Lemetti and his wife Maddalena opened a fish-and-chip shop in Camelon, Falkirk, and more than 130 years later, the family's legacy remains in both communities.

Luigi’s grandchildren, Irene and Michael Lemetti, will be among those people celebrating their heritage by taking part in the festival.

Designer Michael Lemetti created the Italian Tartan and a separate commemorative tartan, blending the histories of both communities and celebrating the bond between Barga and Glasgow.

Between the late 19th and early 20th century, many Barga families moved to Scotland, where they established restaurants, cafés, fish-and-chip shops and other successful businesses that exist to this day.

Another famous connection is the Castelvecchi chippy in Paisley, managed by Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Nutini for 53 years until 2025. Of Barga heritage, he is also known as the father of Ivor Novello Award-winning Scottish singer Paolo Nutini.

Michael Lemetti on the right with his friend Francesco Meduri. (Pic. Contributed.)

placeholder image — Michael Lemetti on the right with his friend Francesco Meduri. (Pic. Contributed.)

During the festival, bagpipes will be played through the streets of Barga, festival-goers in kilts from around-the-world will grab a pint, and a blend of Scottish and Tuscany accents will be heard in local cafés, restaurants and squares across the town.

For more information visit the Barga Scottish Festival website.