French visitors welcomed to Midlothian by Provost

French visitors with strong twinning links to Midlothian and East Lothian received a warm welcome from Midlothian Provost Debbi McCall during a special visit in Dalkeith.

Warm welcome

Provost McCall hosted Mayor Philippe Pellissier of Bazac in south-west France, very close to Dalkeith’s twinned town of Jarnac, and his wife, Frédérique, at Fairfield House alongside East Lothian Provost John McMillan. The visit celebrated the long-standing friendship between Scotland and France and highlighted the strong community connections fostered through twinning associations and cultural exchanges.

Petanque tournament

The French visitors were on holiday with close friends and attended the Auld Alliance Cup pétanque tournament in Dalkeith, where Mayor Pellissier joined competitors from the four local twinning associations and later helped present the trophy to the winning team, the Penicuik Twinning Association.

Lively conversation

Provost McCall welcomed the visitors for coffee and refreshments at Fairfield House, where they spent time discussing local communities, shared heritage and opportunities to strengthen international friendships. The meeting, originally planned as a brief introduction, became a lively 90-minute conversation reflecting the warmth of the reception.

Historic ties

Provost Debbi McCall said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Mayor Philippe Pellissier and Frédérique to Midlothian. Friendships such as these help strengthen the historic bonds between Scotland and France and remind us of the value of cultural exchange. We were delighted to share a little Midlothian hospitality and showcase the warm welcome our communities are known for."

Memorable melodies

The visitors also met East Lothian Provost John McMillan, whose rendition of the French national anthem helped set a memorable tone for the occasion.

Deeply touched

Mayor Pellissier and Frédérique said they were deeply touched by the welcome they received and looked forward to sharing their positive experiences of Midlothian and East Lothian when they returned home to France.

Supportive visit

The visit was organised with support from local pétanque enthusiasts Rab Gray and his wife Lena and members of the twinning community including Sandy Howden of the Dalkeith/Jarnac Twinning Group, reinforcing the important role that local residents play in building international friendships and maintaining the historic links between Scotland and France.

In the picture

East Lothian Provost John McMillan on the left, Mayor Philippe Pellissier and Midlothian Provost Debbi McCall.