While Athens’ 200th birthday is being celebrated at this weekend’s Bicentennial Bash, another party will be held more than 4,000 miles away in Stonehaven, Scotland.

Representatives from Scotland last month announced plans for the party during a video conference with local members of the Athens-Stonehaven and North East, Scotland Sister City Committee. Committee member Phil Mills-Bishop said American and Alabama flags would be flown Saturday from the turrets of Castle Fraser, a National Trust of Scotland property.

“This is a singular and unique gesture honoring our city and state, and it is very much appreciated,” said a press release about the Scottish party. “Further, a special birthday cake is being baked by the castle staff, and will be cut as happy birthday is sung, by our Scottish friends.”

The cities recently agreed to become sister cities as part of a twinning agreement. The idea behind the agreement was largely the brainchild of Athens State University Religious Studies Professor Dr. Debra Baird, whose roots can be found in Scotland.

At the Bicentennial Bash, Mayor Ronnie Marks will sign a proclamation and make a formal announcement about the agreement.

“Celebrating our 200th birthday with our new friends in Scotland is an honor and one of many endeavors we will embark on as we forge this sister city relationship,” he said.

Educational exercise

One of the main goals of the agreement is for Athenians to learn more about culture in another country and vice versa. Plans to welcome Scottish visitors to Athens in late May or early June are in the works. Members of the local committee plan to visit Scotland in the summer.

“We look forward to working with schools and universities in Scotland,” said Dr. Stephen Spencer, dean of the College Of Arts and Sciences at Athens State University. “Exchanges like this one allow students to make lifelong friendships and to expand their understanding of how others think and live.”

During the conference, members of the committees discussed how future video conferences would include elementary school-age children.

The committee is interested in hearing from anyone in the community interested in exploring artistic, business, civic, sporting, recreational, educational or tourism opportunities related to the twinning agreement. Baird may be reached at 256-233-6571 or by email at Debra.Baird@athens.edu. Interested parties may also contact Holly Hollman with the city of Athens at 256-262-1399 or Teresa Todd at the Athens-Limestone Tourism Association at 256-232-5411.

“We look forward to having many new friendships develop and even more new opportunities for the citizens of Athens, Stonehaven and North East Scotland,” the release said.