On 21 August 2015 a group of school students from Russian town of Vyborg, who visit Scotland as part of twinning cooperation between Vyborg and Stirling, were welcomed at the Consulate General of Russia in Edinburgh.

During their week-long trip to Scotland 12 young Russians were introduced to Stirling's history and cultural heritage, visited local schools, met Lord Provost Mike Robbins.

While visiting the Consulate General they shared with Consul General Andrey Pritsepov their impressions of the trip, plans for the future and their intention to stay in touch with their new Scottish friends.

Mr John Stein who organised the trip said: "It is very important for two our countries to keep together. Whatever the politicians say, life goes on, and ordinary people want to make friends. The future belongs to the kids like that – intelligent, educated and open to the world".

Consul General Andrey Pritsepov noted: "We are very glad to see young Russians not only getting introduced to Scotland, but also showing perfectly that we have something and someone to be proud of too. We hope that links between Vyborg and Stirling as well as between other twinned cities will keep bringing our countries closer".