THE HISTORIC BANFFSHIRE Kronach Twinning Association is to welcome a 50-strong school group from the Frankenwald Gymnasium grammar school from northern Bavaria this week.

The German group arrived yesterday for a week-long stay at the Cullen Residential Centre before proceeding on a full programme of activities arranged by the twinning association.

That will include excursions to Loch Ness and Inverness, Speyside Cooperage and Ballindalloch Castle, MacDuff Aquarium and Elgin Cathedral. The German group was also given a tour of Elgin following the new Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere trail by Jim Royan and Alistair Campbell which has been arranged by Elgin BID.

On Monday and Tuesday German pupils will attend Speyside High School to experience a typical Scottish school day, following the timetable of pupils. The school days have been coordinated by Mrs Deborah Main, PT Modern Languages at Speyside High School.

The Kronach pupils will also enjoy a fantastic canteen lunch, which has been generously paid for by the Moray Council.

The highlight of the week for all is likely to be the Ceilidh being held on Friday night at the Legion in Keith. The evening will be attended by local pupils, as well as members and friends of twinning association.

Music that evening will be provided by the very talented Strathspey Fiddlers under the direction of Steve Brown. The fiddlers attended the annual Schützenfest in Kronach in August.