The 60th anniversary of Musselburgh’s twinning link with the French town of Champigny was celebrated with a cross-Channel visit – a year later than planned due to Covid-19 restrictions.

A group from Musselburgh Twinning Association, together with Councillor John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian, travelled to Champigny, near the French capital Paris, to mark six decades of cultural, educational and sporting connections between the two communities.

The twinning link was sealed in 1961 but the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the 60th birthday celebrations.

Led by Laurent Jeanne, the mayor of Champigny, a packed programme of activities was enjoyed by twinning representatives including delegates from Rosignano in Italy, with which both Musselburgh and Champigny also have links, and also Bernau near Berlin, which has a twinning arrangement with Champigny.

A highlight of the weekend, following speeches, was the symbolic signing by officials of all four communities of documents formally reaffirming the friendship and close association represented by twinning.

Mr McMillan signed on behalf of Musselburgh.

There was a joint commemoration on Armistice Day of the ending of the First World War, much of which was fought in the fields of north-east France and Belgium.

There were speeches from each delegation focusing on the “sense of reconciliation and harmony” that has prevailed in western Europe in the years since the Second World War.

For Scotland and Musselburgh, a wreath and flowers were laid at the war memorial.

Barry Turner, president of Musselburgh Twinning Association, told the Courier: “I was moved by the warm welcome and tremendous hospitality given by our French hosts, including the mayor and his staff.

“On behalf of the Musselburgh delegation, I personally thanked Madame Michelle Rollot, president of the Champigny Twinning Association, and spoke of the importance that we in Musselburgh place on the continuing friendship and close co-operation between our two towns.

“We presented her with an engraved quaich and other gifts were exchanged.

“I was also moved by the camaraderie and sense of common purpose that prevailed throughout the whole event.

“However, I was saddened during a formal discussion between the parties about possible future economic co-operation by the fact that our ability to participate has been much reduced by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

“A welcome outcome of the Champigny event and the contacts made is that our relationship with Rosignano will hopefully be rekindled after a period of inactivity.”

Anyone who would like to know more about the work of Musselburgh Twinning Association, join the committee or who has ideas about student exchanges or sporting links then they should get in touch with Mr Turner at barry.turn er2108@gmail.com