Cities mark 40 years of partnership

The origins of the twinning arrangement were in a camping trip to Scotland in 1971 made by Willi Odenthal, the director of the adult education centre in Arnsberg. Many exchange visits have taken place over the years, especially involving young people.

After the Civic Centre was opened in West Lothian, the road leading into it was named Hochsauerland Brae and last month, the honour was reciprocated when a party from the twinning association visited Germany to witness Councillor Carl John name a square at the station as West Lothian Platz.

Four Scots pines were also planted in a community forest and the West Lothian artist Marion John’s exhibition opened in the Kreishaus (council HQ) in Meschede to celebrate 40 years of the twinning partnership.