SELKIRK has welcomed no fewer than three parties of twin town visitors from Bavaria during May.

And every one of them enjoyed fine blue skies and even warmer hospitality.

Member of the Plattling Twinning Group provided an action-packed programme of tours and visits for all three groups.

Among the favourite locations were Lochcarron of Scotland, Tantallon and Craigmillar castles, the Falkirk Wheel, Linlithgow Palace, the Kelpies, Bannockburn, Edinburgh, Melrose Abbey, Abbotsford, Traquair Mediaeval Fayre, the Scottish Parliament, North Berwick, Glenkinchie Distillery, Selkirk Distillers, and, not forgetting, the historic Royal Burgh itself, as well as The Haining House and estate.

There were the obligatory and ever-popular musical evenings with the usual suspects and guest artistes.

And there was even a spectacular night of belly dancing at The Haining, courtesy of the oriental dance group from Plattling.

John Nicol from the Plattling Twinning Group said: "It was an action-packed three weeks for us, but there was nothing but positive feedback from the visitors.

"They were all very sad to leave but vowed to return soon to renew friendships and experience more of what the Scottish Borderland has to offer.

"The partnership of Selkirk with Plattling has existed for 20 years and is strengthening and expanding year by year."

As well as the three groups from Bavaria during May, Selkirk High School also welcomed Realschule students in March.

Members of the Plattling Twinning Group will head to Germany later this year, with further trips planned for 2020.