Arbroath Abbey is seeking to develop links with France and the USA to promote the importance of the historic Angus landmark.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop visited the Abbey’s Action Group during the summer and has since been trying to raise awareness of the importance of the Abbey across the world.
She wrote to the French consul general, Pierre-Alain Coffinier, highlighting the established link between Arbroath and the abbey at Thiron Gardens, which celebrates its 900th anniversary next year.
Ms Hyslop, who visited Independence Park in Philadelphia on July 4 this year, has also written to its superintendent, Cynthia MacLeod, to encourage exploration of the links between the Declaration of Arbroath and the Declaration of Independence.
Harry Ritchie, chairman of Arbroath Abbey Action Group (AAAG), has warmly welcomed the cabinet secretary’s support.
He said: “During our meeting with Fiona Hyslop earlier this year she was extremely complimentary about our efforts to raise awareness of the significance of the Abbey and the declaration and bring about an increase in visitor numbers to the town.
“She mentioned then that she might look to provide a formal introduction to both the consul general and superintendent to assist that work.
“We are obviously thrilled she’s now done that for us. Clearly we will seize the opportunity to contact Mrs Coffinier and Ms MacLeod, and see how we might work together.”
Angus South MSP Graeme Dey, who is also a member of the action group, pointed out the possible economic benefits for Arbroath of capitalising on the abbey’s place in history.
He said: “This isn’t just about properly recognising the importance of Arbroath Abbey and the declaration, it’s about taking advantage of that and giving the town, its shops and other businesses a financial boost.
“We have in our midst a fantastic asset with significant connections with France and, perhaps more importantly, the USA.
“AAAG has already done a lot of work building upon those connections through the expat community in North America while Arbroath Abbey Timethemes has established a tangible link with Thiron in France.
“Fiona Hyslop’s high level formal introduction paves the way for the group working in conjunction with Historic Scotland and Angus Council to take that to another level.”