It's official - Levenmouth twinned with Bruges

Councillor Tom Adams, chairman of the Levenmouth area committee representing the area at the unveiling of a new tram, 'Leven', part of the Levenmouth twinning agreement in Bruges. Pictured with Christophe Duprat, Vice-President of Bordeaux Metropolis Delegate to transport and Brigitte Terraza, Mayor of Bruges

A crowd of nearly 200 witnessed a moment in history for Levenmouth on Friday '“ the signing of the new twinning agreement with Bruges.

In a special ceremony at the town’s Treulon Theatre, 185 people – including 35 delegates from Levenmouth – witnessed the official signing of the agreement.

Also in attendance were the Mayors of Umkirch, Germany and Polanco, Spain which are both already twinned with Bruges, as well as the Presidents of all four twinning associations.

On the night, there was entertainment by young people from both Levenmouth and Bruges, followed by a traditional French meal and a performance by the Coaltown Daisies, who have been holding workshops and gigs in the area for the past week.

Some of the youngsters who are on the trip. Pic: George McLuskie

Fourteen youngsters and two staff from Buckhaven High were part of the group which left for the French town last Thursday, joined by guitarist Jed Gillies, dancers Lois McKay and Kirsty Roberts, and representatives from Fife Council, CLEAR, SWACS, Methil Sea Cadets, Leven Rotary Club, and the Scottish Youth Parliament

Councillors Alistair Hunter and Tom Adams also made the journey, with Cllr Adams representing the Fife Provost’s office during the signing.

He told the Mail it was hard to put into words how much the event had meant.

“The ceremony went really well and I’ve never been so proud to be part of something.

“It’s so humbling to be in a position to sign something like this and create that friendship.”

Cllr Adams said he hoped it would encourage people in Levenmouth to visit their new twin town, adding: “This kind of trip shows you a different way of living, but Bruges and Levenmouth are actually quite similar. They both have small streets and a small town centre, and they have a rail project of their own, with a new tram link with Bordeaux being constructed.”

It was that link that acted as quite the surprise for the delegates on Friday morning, as the French town officials unveiled a tram with a very special moniker – the ‘Leven’ (pictured).

The group are due to arrive back on Scottish shores tomorrow (Tuesday) following a packed schedule of trips.