Kirkton Brass host German banding ‘twin’ in musical exchange visit

Kirkton Brass Bathgate bade farewell to their German guests, the Fanfaren-Korps Neheim-Hüsten, last weekend.  A twinning agreement between the Scottish and German bands was signed in 1989 and since then, both bands have enjoyed many exchange visits over the years.

Kirkton Brass last visited Neheim in Germany in 2025 where the Fanfaren-Korps were fantastic hosts.  This month was an opportunity for band to reciprocate with some Scottish hospitality.  

Neheim, Arnsberg, in the region of Hochsauerland, has been twinned with West Lothian for over 50 years.

The Fanfaren-Korps and their musical director David Schwarz arrived in Scotland on Wednesday 3 June and received a warm welcome from members of Kirkton Brass. 

Staying and rehearsing at the Linlithgow Hostel, the players took time out to explore the local area visiting Linlithgow Palace, the Kelpies, South Queensferry, Black Ness Castle and Edinburgh and they enjoyed a barge trip on the Union Canal. 

A musical highlight for the Fanfaren-Korps was taking part in the Bathgate Procession and Community Festival, entertaining the crowds as they marched through the streets of Bathgate playing traditional fanfare music. 

The Scots and German players alike were delighted to participate in a special twinning reception at the British Legion in Bathgate where guests – including Liz Liddell and Gordon Connolly from the West Lothian Twinning Association, MSP Pauline Stafford, Councillor William Boyle and Tom Allan from the Scottish Brass Band Association – were treated to a performance from each band.

Gifts were exchanged and speeches were delivered by Kirkton Brass president Karen Heenan, vice president Aileen Downs and Fanfaren‑Korps president Vanessa Ruchardt. The evening also featured a display of photographs celebrating 37 years of twinning visits.

Reflecting on the visit, David Schwarz said: “We had a wonderful week and felt very welcome throughout our stay. Thank you to Kirkton Brass Bathgate for your hospitality. Visits like this remind us how valuable these connections are.”

Vanessa Ruchardt added: “This trip has once again shown us how music connects people across national borders.”

Photograph credit: Blackridge Camera Club