A Mearns community is in talks to rekindle the “Auld Alliance” by linking arms with a suburb of Paris.
Stonehaven recently welcomed a contingent from Achères as the two communities aim to create a bond through a twinning project.
The mayoress of the town near the French capital, Veronique Forensi, is said to have been impressed by the Mearns coastal town during the visit.
Stonehaven and District Community Council is behind the project and said the two communities were far from “chalk and cheese” – despite their French counterparts being nowhere near the seaside.
Chairman of the community council, Phil Mills-Bishop, said: “This is something exciting. Why would you want to twin with a suburb of Paris?
“We would say it is the differences that make it work. If we were to twin with another seaside town I don’t think there would be the same dynamic between the two.
“They like Stonehaven for its harbour, its quaintness, Dunnottar Castle, the history and the golf course.
“There was an immediate rapport there. They were very keen. From our point of view, there will be an interest to some of our business people, who might want to visit.
“It is for us to explore what Achères can actually do with us. It backs up on to the River Seine, there is quite a lot of theatre in it.
“I think there is a great opportunity for Stonehaven here. I think it is a recreation of the Auld Alliance between Scotland and France.”
The communities are hoping to sign a formal twinning agreement during a planned visit to Acheres by the Stonehaven group in spring.
