A long standing friendship between Inverness and the German city of Augsburg is entering a new chapter as young people from both communities come together through sport, culture and volunteering.
An international youth exchange programme has taken place in the Highlands this month, bringing visitors from Augsburg to Inverness as part of celebrations marking 70 years of town twinning between the two cities.
The Inverness Augsburg Sporting Alliance brings together young athletes, coaches and volunteers to share ideas, develop skills and build lasting connections through sport.
The initiative is led by The Highland Council alongside High Life Highland, sportscotland, local clubs and sporting organisations, working in partnership with the Augsburg District Branch of the Bavarian Youth Sports Association.
During their stay in the Highlands, the German delegation took part in a packed programme designed to showcase both community sport and Highland culture.
Activities included rugby coaching sessions with Highland Rugby Club, a chance to experience shinty through the Camanachd Association, visits to Inverness Leisure, Bught Park and Glenmore Lodge, and workshops exploring how sport is delivered and supported in Scotland.
The visitors also enjoyed cultural experiences including Inverness Castle, Loch Ness, Beauly and a Highland Games style event.
Provost of Inverness and Area, Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome our friends from Augsburg to Inverness as part of this important exchange programme which is supported by the Inverness Common Good Fund.
“The Sporting Alliance highlights the strength of our 70-year twinning relationship and shows how sport can bring people together in a meaningful and lasting way.
“By investing in young people, volunteers and community sport, we are building connections that will benefit both our cities for many years to come.
“I look forward to seeing our Inverness delegation continue this work when they visit Augsburg next week.”
High Life Highland Chief Executive Steve Walsh said the programme demonstrated how sport can help create opportunities far beyond the playing field.
He said:
“The Inverness – Augsburg Sporting Alliance demonstrates how sport can act as a powerful tool for building connections across borders.
“By bringing together young people, volunteers and organisations, the exchange supports not only sporting development but also wider cultural understanding, economic collaboration and long-term partnership working.”
Representatives from Augsburg also praised the experience and the friendships formed during their visit.
Sergey Zemlyak and Marlene Mechold of the Bavarian Youth Sports Association said:
“We are deeply grateful for this inspiring exchange, filled with shared experiences, new perspectives, and warm personal encounters that made it truly unforgettable.
“We returned home not only with new knowledge, but also with cherished memories and great enthusiasm for future international cooperation.”
The exchange will continue next week when a delegation from Inverness travels to Augsburg for a programme focused on youth sport, coaching, inclusion and volunteering.
Seventy years after the two cities first established formal links, the partnership continues to create new opportunities for young people while strengthening the friendship between the Highlands and Bavaria.
