Freedom of the City to the Citizens of Aschaffenburg
Perth and Kinross Council · 20 April 2026
Back to Civic Affairs Sub-Committee — 20 April 2026 and its agenda
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Civic Affairs Sub-Committee Date of Meeting: 20 April 2026 Report Title: Freedom of the City to the Citizens of Aschaffenburg Report Number: 26/102 Report Author: Stewart Grant / Michelle Glencorse Organisational Lead: Serge Merone, Strategic Lead - Economy, Development and Planning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 This report seeks approval to recommend to grant the Freedom of the City of Perth to the Citizens of Aschaffenburg in Germany, in recognition of the 70th anniversary of twinning between the two cities. 2. Recommendation 2.1 It is recommended that the Civic Affairs Sub-Committee/Perth & Kinross Council agrees to grant the Freedom of the City to the Citizens of Aschaffenburg in the 70th anniversary year. 2.2 It is recommended that the Council agrees: (i) to exercise its power under Section 206 of the Local Government (S) Act 1973 to grant the Freedom of the City of Perth to the Citizens of Aschaffenburg (ii) that the Freedom of the City of Perth ceremony takes place at the close of the City of Perth Salute on Sunday 28 June 2026. (iii) to delegate authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Provost, to finalise the arrangements for the event. 3. Background Twinning 3.1 While there are early examples of international links between municipalities akin to what are known as twin towns today, a twin city or town relationship is a form of legal or social agreement between two geographically and politically distinct localities for the purpose of promoting cultural and commercial ties.
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3.2 Perth & Kinross Council’s twinning link with Aschaffenburg in Bavaria, Germany dates back to 1956 and is one of the oldest twinning partnerships in the UK. 3.3 Our twinning relationship has been very successful and is the Council’s most active twinning link, with numerous visits taking place each year between the Friends and other groups and clubs in Perth and Aschaffenburg since the pair first became twinned in 1956, leading to a mutually positive twinning relationship for all. 3.4 Many Perth groups have developed strong links with their counterparts in Aschaffenburg such as Perth Firefighters, Perthshire Brass, Chansons and more. 3.5 The twinning relationship with Perth is highly regarded and valued by the citizens of Aschaffenburg. Many people from Aschaffenburg visit Perth each year on holiday. Potential for future increased Economic Impact 3.6 Aschaffenburg and Perth share complementary economic strengths that provide opportunities for mutual collaboration, and great potential for future increased economic impact. Shared Focus on High Value, Future Oriented Sectors 3.7 Perth and Kinross is recognised as one of the UK’s top regions for business growth potential and has strong specialisms in food & drink, tourism, financial services, and is rapidly expanding into energy transition and circular economy industries. Aschaffenburg’s high-tech manufacturing capabilities, especially in automation, vehicle systems and logistics technologies, align well with Perth’s ambitions for green innovation and digital transformation. Green Technology & Sustainable Infrastructure 3.8 Perth’s investment in clean growth, including the upcoming Perth Eco- Innovation Park, complements Aschaffenburg’s advanced engineering and industrial R&D capabilities. This creates potential for joint initiatives in renewable energy technologies, electromobility, and sustainable manufacturing, areas that Germany and Scotland are both expanding. SME Collaboration & Skills Development 3.9 Both cities have strong SME ecosystems. Perth and Kinross’s entrepreneurial growth culture and Aschaffenburg’s technical SME base could support cross- regional exchanges in digitalisation, vocational training, and applied research, leveraging the university in Aschaffenburg and innovation networks in Perth and Kinross.
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3.10 Perth and Kinross’s broader economic objectives, focused on inclusive, green, and future-proof development, mirror similar strategic regional goals in Germany and could enable structured partnership programmes. Freedom of the City 3.11 The last Freedom ceremony took place on 6 August 2023 to mark the success of award winning horse trainers Lucinda Russell and Peter Scudamore of Lucinda Russell Racing, for twice winning the Grand National, and also to Eve Muirhead and her 2022 Winter Olympic Gold Medal winning Curling team. 3.12 The following table details the list of Burgesses and Freemen of the City of Perth since 1933. The table illustrates that there is a precedent for such honour of the Freedom of the City of Perth being conferred to a collective body, i.e. the Black Watch in 1947, the Royal British Legion Scotland in 2004, and 51st Highland, 7th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2010. 29 September 1933 John Buchan, CH LLD MP (later Lord Tweedsmuir) of Elsfield Manor, Oxford 29 September 1933 Francis Norie-Miller JP FEIS of Cleeve, Perth 10 August 1935 Albert Frederick Arthur George, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killarney, KG PC KT GCMG GCVO 10 August 1935 Elizabeth Angela Marguerite, Duchess of York GBE 18 March 1938 Sir William MacKenzie, Lord Amulree FC GBE KC LLD 18 March 1938 Arthur Kinmond Bell of Kincarrathie, Perth 19 July 1947 The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) (Freedom of entry into the City and Royal Burgh of Perth on ceremonial occasions with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying) 19 July 1947 Field Marshall the Right Honourable Earl Wavell PC GCB GCSI GCIE CMG MC 27 May 1948 Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, OM CH FRS MP 12 May 1956 Anthony Eden KG MC MP (later Lord Astor) 14 September 1961 Stanley Norie-Miller, Baronet MC DL JP of Murrayshall, Perth
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24 July 1970 William Gordon Farquharson MC LLD CA of Tay Park, Isla Road, Perth 26 August 1978 Sir Neil Cameron KCB CBE DSO DFC 30 October 1982 David K Thomson CBE TD OStJ JP DL 8 May 2004 The Royal British Legion Scotland 8 May 2010 51st Highland, 7th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 Scots) (Freedom of entry into the City and Royal Burgh of Perth on ceremonial occasions with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying) 6 July 2012 HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh 18 June 2019 Brigadier Sir Mel Jameson 6 August 2023 Lucinda Russell & Peter Scudamore on behalf of Lucinda Russell Racing. 6 August 2023 Gold Medal winning GB Curling Team 2022 Eve Muirhead Jen Dodds Hailey Duff Mili Smith 4. Main Issues 4.1 There are no issues to be addressed. 5 Proposals 5.1 Section 206 of the Local Government Scotland Act 1973 gives the Council power to grant individuals or organisations the who have made a special contribution to the area, Freedom of the City. 5.2 206 (1) states: A local authority may by resolution passed by not less than two thirds of the members voting therein at a meeting of the authority, the notice of which specifies the proposed admission as an item of business admit to be Honorary Freemen of their area persons of distinction and any persons who have rendered eminent service to their area 5.3 It is proposed that the Council exercises its power under Section 206 of the Local Government (S) Act 1973 to grant the Freedom of the City of Perth to Citizens of Aschaffenburg in recognition of the long-standing friendship between the two cities in the 70th anniversary year.
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5.4 It is envisaged that the Freedom of the City of Perth ceremony would take place on Sunday 28 June 2026 during the City of Perth Salute event. The City of Perth Salute event involves international artists joining with local bands in a parade within the city centre, culminating in an arena performance on the North Inch. The parade will also include local pipe bands, dancers and youth groups. 5.5 Members of The Society of High Constables of the City of Perth will accompany the Provost and play a ceremonial role in this event. 5.6 Given the remarkable contribution and unwavering friendship to the promotion and betterment of the Perth & Kinross area, it would be appropriate to acknowledge this contribution by granting the Citizens of Aschaffenburg with the Freedom of the City of Perth. 6. Conclusion 6.1 Given the significance of our twinning relationship between Perth and Aschaffenburg, and all the associated and long-term friendships and ongoing twinning exchanges, it is recommended that the Council grant the Citizens of Aschaffenburg the Freedom of the City of Perth. 6.2 By the granting of the Freedom of the City of Perth to the citizens of Aschaffenburg, it will only further strengthen and deepen our twinning relationship which will in turn lead to more successful engagement going forward between our two cities, and further increasing the potential for economic growth and development in the future. 7. Impact and Value Assessment This is an operational report, and as such, an impact and value assessment in not required. 8. Appendices 8.1 Resource Implications Financial 8.2 The costs associated with awarding the Freedom of the City are: £ Regalia (scroll and casket) 930.00 Invitations and postage 132.00 Civic Reception 1,020.00 Total estimated costs £2,082.00 8.3 The estimated costs associated with the Freedom of Perth ceremony has been reduced to reflect that the infrastructure is already in place for the City of Perth Salute and as such can be met from the 2025/26 Civic budget.
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