Cognac - France
The twinning link with Cognac began in 1990 following a conference on rural tourism. At this time, Cognac was actively seeking a British twinning partners and Perthshire was singled out.
Perthshire was seen as a potential twin as both areas are internationally recognised for high-prestige distillery products, they were comparable in size and social makeup, and both attracted important numbers of tourists.
The link was formalised in 1991 during the term of office of Provost Alex Murray. Since then numerous successful exchanges have taken place and the Friends of Cognac Association has been particularly active in promoting the link. A number of groups from Perth have visited Cognac including Perthshire Brass, The Fair City Singers Chansons and Perth Youth Orchestra.
In 1994 the then Provost of Perth & Kinross, Mrs Jean McCormack took part in the celebrations held in Cognac to mark the 500th Anniversary of the birth of Francois Premier, King of France. Various family visits have been exchanged and firm friendships formed since the link's inception. The schools exchange is highly successful and there is an official link between the Ecole St Joseph in Cognac and Crieff High School.
For further information contact:
- Judy Harris of Perth & Kinross Council - 01738 475058
- Ian Cowing, Chairman, Friends of Cognac - 01764 562227
