New twin cities go too far for SNP

GLASGOW’S propensity for twinning with other cities looks to be heading along the lines of a multiple birth, after it emerged that the city may be twinned with Marseilles in France or Karachi in Pakistan.

The Lord Provost, Liz Cameron, yesterday said that initial discussions with the French city had taken place with a view to reaching a cultural or educational agreement rather than a full-blown twinning arrangement.

However, the leader of the SNP group in the council warned that "too much twinning" could detract from the business and cultural links aiming to be achieved.

Councillor John Mason, added: "One point is the dillution effect - the more you have, the less impact you have."

Mr Mason said that the twinning process was often perceived by Glasgwegians as an excuse for "jollies" abroad.

The city is already twinned with Havana, Cuba and Nuremberg, Germany, Dalian in China, and Rostov-on-Don in Russia. Glasgow also has a less formal friendship link with Bethlehem and similar arrangements with Barga in Italy, St Malo in France and the Finnish town of Oulu.

Mrs Cameron said a twinning with a French city would celebrate the 700-year Auld Alliance.