Threat to future link with twin-town
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A FRIENDSHIP which has spanned four decades is in danger of coming to an end unless the next generation steps up to continue a proud tradition.
The twin-town link between Thurso and Brilon needs more younger people to help strengthen the friendship that has existed between Caithness and the German town for 40 years.
The plea was made as Scouts from Brilon were officially welcomed to Thurso at a civic reception held at the Pentland Hotel on Monday to celebrate the twin-town partnership’s 40th anniversary.
It was said that after 20 years, Thurso High School had decided to pull out of the exchange programme which left its German counterparts devastated.
Nancy Swanson, chairwoman of the Thurso-Brilon Friendship Association and Town Twinning Committee, said attempts had to be made to resume links between the youth of the two towns.
"We depend on young people to continue the exchanges and it is a great concern to us and our friends in Brilon that after 20 years, Thurso High School no longer participates in the twin-town programme," she said.
"The teachers who were involved in the previous partnership have retired and there has been nobody to take their place.
"If this partnership is going to continue then we must include the young people, we desperately need the high school to get involved.
"We sincerely hope that this will be rectified and reinstated in the very near future."
The partnership between Thurso and the southern German town was first formed in 1972 after a chance meeting in London between men from both towns.
Since then, residents have kept in close contact with each other, with numerous visits taking place between Scotland and Germany.
Thurso Scout leader Gary Stronach hopes that the partnership will continue for at least the next 40 years, saying it is wonderful the Scouts have managed to retain and foster exchanges for so long.
"It gives them an experience of meeting with different cultures and is part of the Scouting principles of openness and honesty as well making friends," he said. "The German Scouts also have the same ethos where language differences are no barrier and lifelong friendships have been made."
During their stay in Scotland, the Scouts will be taking part in activities including cycling around the county, sailing to Orkney and visiting Thurso cinema.
On the last night of their stay on Friday, a party will be held at the Thurso Royal British Legion for which Scouts from both Scotland and Germany will hand deliver personal invites to members of the twin-town initiative who were involved at the beginning of the partnership.
