In 2016 our Community Council was contacted by the people of Guiche to request a twinning of both villages. Guiche is located in the South West of France in the beautiful Biarritz area. Both villages have many similarities including population size, being nestled amongst hills, a short drive from the ocean/sea and they both have a pipe band. Their main reason for choosing Auchterhouse was a historical connection. Men from Auchterhouse travelled to France in the 15th century to fight with the French in the region close to Guiche.

In August 2018 twelve visitors from Guiche came to Auchterhouse for our first twinning event. Their visit coincided with our annual Sports Day where both French and Scots took part in the kids races, hill race, tug of war and ceilidh dance. Our French friends were hosted in the homes of 3 Auchterhouse families and it was certainly the start of an exciting new friendship.

In October 2019 twenty members of the Auchterhouse community travelled to Guiche to take part in the official twinning ceremony to celebrate the joining together of both villages. A charter was signed by both villages on Saturday 12th October followed by a drinks reception, formal lunch and a night of dancing and friendship. Over 3 days we were treated to historical tours, culture, cuisine and wonderful hospitality including castles, a kiwi farm, the lake of Guiche and boating down the river Bidouze.

In the future we plan to arrange more twinning events and strengthen our bond with Guiche.

If you are interested in joining the Twinning Association or being involved in our next adventures with Guiche please contact:

Kellie Smith – email: kelliesmith47@aol.com, phone: 07956547608
Aileen Baird – email: aileenmbaird@yahoo.com, phone: 07919281405