Three members of the Aboyne Twinning Association have received a prestigious award from the French town of Martignas.
Mayor Michael Vernajoul from the scenic town in south-western France awarded the Martignas-sur-Jalle medal to three members of the association, Bill Shand, Sheena Cooper and Councillor Peter Argyle for their efforts in fostering the auld alliance between the two Scottish and French communities.
The Deeside residents received the honours during a recent trip to the French town, and each of their medals represented their own individual efforts and commitments to strengthen the bonds between Aboyne and Martignas.
The twinning has resulted in a number of cross-Channel projects involving the two communities.
Earlier this year, the Deeside Rugby club hosted young players from Martignas, who played a few games and took part in a junior highland games at Kincardine Castle.
And this October, 18 pupils aged 14 and 15, as well as two teachers, will travel from Aboyne Academy to Martignas as part of a scheme that links young adults from the French town to other communities in Spain and Greece.
Mr Argyle said: “I am glad that the cultural, educational and friendship opportunities that this association brings is still growing 10 years later.
“The membership is still growing, an three-quarters of our delegation were first time visitors to Martignas.
“I am sure that we will be here for many years to come.”
Gavin Jones, the chairman of the association, said: “France and Scotland have had an alliance since the 13th century, and as Charles de Gaulle said, it is the oldest alliance in the world.
“I am sure the association will out-live the current minor political spats we are seeing.
“Vive le Auld Alliance.”
