Green Light for New Twinning Link
A link is set to be forged between West Lothian and Grapevine in Texas, USA
The move, which has been approved in principle by West Lothian Council's Executive, will develop economic, cultural, education and tourism benefits for the two areas.
A West Lothian/Grapevine Twinning Association will be established which will include representatives from the council, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, West Lothian Tourism Forum and West Lothian College as founder members.
Other local organisations and individuals interest in developing twinning links will also be invited to join.
The council will provide a £10,000 grant towards the costs of establishing and operating the association and Grapevine City Council will be invited to send a delegation to West Lothian next year.
A council report pointed out that a delegation from West Lothian visited Grapevine in September and took part in a number of formal and informal events. The delegation received an "exceptionally warm, enthusiastic and positive welcome" and organisations and individuals in Texas voiced support for a formal link with West Lothian. During their visit the delegation had discussions with Grapevine officers dealing with economic development, education, tourism, heritage and parks and recreation.
Since the visit the first commercial contact between West Lothian and Grapevine had taken place on a business-to-business level. There was "considerable enthusiasm" from organisations, business and individuals in West Lothian to develop the link into a formal twinning relationship.
Provost Tom Kerr said:
"It is vitally important that we, as a forward-looking local authority, create links with one of the largest economies in the world.
"It will provide opportunities for twinning visits by musicians, school children and local groups and help boost tourism in West Lothian."
Council Leader Peter Johnston added:
"Grapevine is a community in the heart of Texas, which is immensely proud that its original settlers came from Scotland. Grapevine approached West Lothian about setting up a twinning arrangement.
"Now that we have met the mayor and his executive officers, I am absolutely convinced we have a fantastic opportunity to develop commercial, tourism and cultural links that will provide great benefits to our own community.
"It is clear to me that we have a lot to learn from Grapevine and there are significant benefits which can be delivered to West Lothian.
"We are looking at sending the West Lothian schools pipe band to Grapevine next year who will be hosted by local families and given the chance to develop their own friendship links and musical skills.
"I am delighted that this link is being fully supported by our local chamber of commerce, tourism forum and college, who all share our view that this is an opportunity not to be missed."
Ronnie Bamberry, for Linlithgow Pride and Passion Steering Group, stated:
"Linlithgow will serve as the heart of the tourism side of the twinning, Livingston will cover the business aspect and all the County will be able to gain from this twinning. The opportunities for the West Lothian youth of to-day to gain from this twinning are immense."