Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
PRESS RELEASE
21 May 2001
For Use: Immediately
Comhairle nan Eilean SiarPRESS RELEASE21 May 2001 For Use: Immediately | |
The first benefits from the historic twinning of the Western Isles and Pendleton, South Carolina are underway as news has reached the islands of a business interest in Pendleton investigating the prospects for promoting Western Isles angling in South Carolina.
A preliminary link has been made with Mark Bilseby of the Western Isles Fisheries Trust, with a small travel & tourism business/angling party hoping to visit the Western Isles later in the season.
The prospects for exporting Western Isles salmon products to the US are also under consideration.
It was last month that the Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr. Alex MacDonald, addressed a gathering in Pendleton in Gaelic and English and expressed his delight at the formal twinning of the two areas.
Mr. MacDonald said: “This is indeed an historic occasion and one which is the culmination of many years of exchange visits between the young people of both areas. In the Council, we have been aware of the strong links that the Nicolson Institute has developed with Pendleton High School since the first visit back in 1991.”
Highlighting the school exchange visits, Mr. MacDonald went on to say: “The youth exchange visits are an inspiration, encouraging young people to discover for themselves different cultures and traditions. It is very encouraging to hear that some lasting friendships are formed on these visits and it is my hope that these friendships continue and develop in a way that will benefit both our communities”.
During their visit last month, the visitors from the Western Isles took many
mementoes of the islands to present to their American hosts and also took part
in the Pendleton Craft Fair, a trade and community event where the produce of
the Western Isles was promoted. Leaflets and posters highlighted the many attractions
of the islands and the delegation also took the opportunity to remind everyone
present that many of the scare stories circulating in the American media were
false and that the Western Isles was unaffected by Foot and Mouth. The message
was given loud and clear - the islands remain “open for business”.
Certainly both communities have high hopes of the benefits that will accrue
from twinning. At the ceremony in Pendleton which marked the first phase of
the formal twinning, Convener Alex MacDonald stated: “Today marks the beginning
of a process of developing a new partnership between our two communities, a
partnership which will reap benefits for both Pendleton and the Western Isles”.
A delegation from Pendleton will visit the Western Isles in September to complete the twinning.
Ends
Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer