The decision to twin Aberfeldy with any other town should be for the people of Aberfeldy.  I am concerned that the Community Council are pushing ahead with a proposal to twin Aberfeldy with Salado, Texas without first asking the residents of Aberfeldy if they want this.

This petition, therefore, asks the Community Council to stop all steps being taken to finalise this proposal and to instead hold an open and transparent consultation with the people of Aberfeldy.

There will be many different views on the issue of twinning and it is important that the Community Council listen to these. They should listen principally to the residents of Aberfeldy but also to the many tourists who choose to visit our town each year and who comment on the welcoming atmosphere in our town.

For me, for twinning to be a success it will be important that any place chosen holds dear the values of tolerance, freedom, equality and human rights.  Aberfeldy has a reputation of being an inclusive town, welcoming and open to of all. We have proudly opened our homes to refugees and those in need.

In choosing to twin with another place we will be choosing to say something about ourselves and of that place. To foster connections on which both places can flourish.

Whilst I am sure there will be people in Salado who share these values, I am concerned by its strong links to a politics that runs counter to these values.  At a time when that politics is doing such great harm to minorities around the world, I feel strongly that those in support of democracy, equality and human rights should take a stand against such politics. Twinning with Salado, Texas, at this time sends a troubling message in my view of who we are in Aberfeldy and what we stand for.

But these are only my views and I know others will hold different views to my own. What is important is that we have the opportunity to express those views and that they are taken into account by the Community Council.

That is why I call on the Community Council to hold a proper consultation so that it can understand fully the range of views held on this matter and to make sure any proposal has community support.