Bavarian town of Aschaffenburg, twinned with Perth in Scotland, to be granted freedom of the city

An entire Bavarian town – with a population of over 72,000 – is to be granted the Freedom of Perth.

The accolade is being awarded to the citizens of Aschaffenburg in Germany, in recognition of one of the oldest twinning partnerships in the UK.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Perth being twinned with Aschaffenburg.

On Monday, April 20 Perth and Kinross Council’s Civic Affairs Sub-Committee unanimously agreed to grant the Freedom of the City of Perth to the citizens of Aschaffenburg.

Presenting the proposal to fellow councillors, Provost Xander McDade said: “It’s a very active twinning and it seems appropriate for our longest-serving twinning and a very significant partner that we have worked with for a long time that we would consider recognising them in this way.

“It is obviously the highest civic honour we could offer in this regard. The proposal is that we would award this at the end of the City of Perth Salute, similar to the last Freedom of the City ceremonies we offered a couple of years ago for the Olympic gold medal-winning curling team and Lucinda Russell Racing.”

He said that doing it then would cut costs “because it would be part of an existing event”.

Labour councillor Alasdair Bailey questioned the award being given to all the residents of Aschaffenburg.

Bailie Bailey said: “Before it’s been a very rarefied honour we have bestowed upon people, generally to individuals who have made a marked contribution or small groups.”

He suggested it might “set a precedent” if it could be awarded to “relatively large groups”.

But Provost McDade pointed to 51st Highland, 7th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland awarded the Freedom of Perth in 2010 and The Royal British Legion Scotland in 2004. And in 1947 The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) was awarded the honour thus setting the precedent for the honour being conferred to a large body.

Seconding the proposal Depute Provost Andrew Parrott said: “Initially I had some of the same concerns as Bailie Bailey but I suppose I reflected and thought that it’s a reflection of the high esteem we hold the relationship – and the relationship is with all of the people.”

He also pointed to it having very little impact financially. It will cost the council just over £2,000 for a civic reception, Regalia (scroll and casket) and sending out the invitations.

The SNP councillor likened the Perth and Kinross Council gesture to the citizens of Aschaffenburg to Malta being awarded the George Cross during World War II.

Depute Provost Parrott said: “There is precedent for a population award and that is the award of the George Cross to the whole of the island of Malta, which is now reflected in their flag.

“So I think it’s a token of 70 years of collaboration, cooperation and friendship and so I’m fully supportive.”

The proposal was unanimously agreed.