Inverness and Augsburg to celebrate 70 years as 'twins'

Events are to be held this year to mark 70 years of Inverness' links with the German city of Augsburg.

The Highland capital, like many other UK towns and cities, was "twinned" with communities in continental Europe after the end of World War Two.

This was done as parts of efforts to promote peace and create cultural and commercial links.

Inverness and Augsburg were twinned in 1956 and the 70th anniversary events will see council leaders visiting each other's cities, as well as talks taking place around collaborative work on renewable energy projects.

Augsburg is Inverness' largest twin partner with its population of 270,000 people.

There is also a strong commercial connection through German companies that have a presence in Inverness, such as technology company Siemens.

The anniversary year includes plans for sports clubs to do exchange trips.

Inverness is also twinned with French towns La Baule and St Valery.

During WW2 on 12 June 1940, at the Battle of St Valery, about 10,000 men from the 51st Highland Division were captured, along with French soldiers.

St Valery Avenue in Inverness is named after the battle.