Aschaffenburg - Bavaria - Germany
Last updated | 29/06/2007
This twinning dates back to 1956 and is Perth & Kinross Council's oldest twinning.
Following World War II, twinning links were encouraged by the Foreign Office and by the French and German governments in particular. There was a special connection between Scotland and Bavaria in that the two had geographical, agricultural and industrial similarities. They had both also been independent countries which became part of larger states while at the same time retaining their own distinct characters.
The link became particularly active after 1974. In 1977, Dr Willi Reiland, Oberburgermeister of Aschaffenburg and Frau Reiland were presented to Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip during Her Majesty's Jubilee Year. Another highlight was in 1988 when Dr Reiland and Frau Reiland were invited to open St John's Shopping Centre in Perth.
The Friends of Aschaffenburg Association works tirelessly to promote the link and over the years hundreds of exchanges have taken place, from beekeepers to Firemen. The Friends group in Aschaffenburg has helped disabled charities in Perth & Kinross.
The schools exchange is very successful and Perth & Kinross pupils studying German are given the opportunity to spend two weeks in Aschaffenburg with a family with whom they have been in correspondence. They experience the different culture, customs, language, food and share the everyday life of a German family.
The friendships formed during these exchanges are lasting and are witness to twinning working at its best.
