Twinning bid by Banff takes step forward
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A twinning bid by Banff to team up with their Canadian namesake town has took a step forward.
This comes as a public meeting has been arranged at Banff Academy on Wednesday, November 20 at 7pm to discuss proposals.
Earlier this year local businessman Des Cheyne joined up with Banff Springs Hotel owner Ken West and councillor Glen Reynolds to kickstart the project with Banff, Alberta to boost local tourism.
The Canadian town was given its name in the 1880s by George Stephen, the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway who came from the Aberdeenshire town.
Back in August Canadian officials said that they would consider a formal twinning agreement.
A spokesman for the town, Jason Darrah said: “The local government and many residents in the town of Banff, Alberta, are aware of the link to the original Banff in Scotland, and the origins of the name for Banff National Park.
“I am certain our elected town council and senior managers for the municipality will give careful consideration to exploring a twinning of the two towns when we receive a formal request from the council in Aberdeenshire.
“As a centre for global visitors, and a base for people from a wide range of backgrounds – all dependent on a thriving tourism and hospitality industry – we can see connections with Banff in Aberdeenshire.”
Members of the public will find out more information about the historic links between the towns and the ways the group are looking to create a partnership.
Spotty Bag Shop's Des Cheyne said: "Being born and bred in Banff, it would give him great delight to see a partnership arrangement with Banff in Canada which would hopefully help tourism in our area and in turn could bring potential investment to our town.
"We are looking to develop a strong link with our name sake over in Canada and would hope to see mutual benefits, not just with tourism but also education and employment."
While Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson believes that the twin project would be great for all ages.
He said : "There is an increasing awareness that we live in a global community.
"This partnership has the exciting potential to provide opportunities for people of all ages to share with people from another country.
"We would welcome as many as possible to come along to this meeting to find out more and to take part."
Dr David F Clark commented: "The peoples of both Banffs, in creating their separate and defining histories, have, for generations, valued in their own ways, many partnerships, major, minor and personal.
"Cementing a new one across two continents should come easy to them – and last!"
Banff Springs Hotel Ken West said : "I am looking forward to linking up with Banff in Canada and helping to not only re-establish historic links with The Banff Springs Hotel but the community here as a whole."
