City Links To Russia's Vyborg
On Monday 20th February, The Russian Consul General, Sergey Krutikov, came to Stirling to witness the signing of a 'Memorandum of Understanding' (MoU). An MoU is a document of understanding between two people, groups or organisations and defines a relationship between them.
In this case, it ties a friendship and co-operation link between Stirling and the Russian City of Vyborg and the building of contacts in Primary and Secondary schools in both countries. As this is a linked signing, it is hoped that the British Consulate General will witness the signing in Vyborg. 
Dr Ken Thomson, Deputy Principal of Forth Valley College, who was with Provost Fergus Wood in Vyborg last year, signed the document with the Provost and Dr Thomson will be linking the College with Vyborg's Herzen University.
Stirling and Vyborg have many common historical links. Both were important trading crossroads, situated on a river, and both have ancient castles. Furthermore, both communities are served by Universities and tourism is recognised as a critical part of the economy. Both cities are keen to share knowledge and understanding to further their development.
Vyborg has the oldest medieval castle in Russia built by the Swedish King Gustavus. The city has been part of Sweden, Finland and is now part of theLeningrad Region of Russia, of which St Petersburg is the capital.
Provost Fergus Wood comments; "The signing of this document is a gesture of the ongoing relationship between Stirling and Vyborg and one that we value greatly. The opportunity for both of us to learn from one another is invaluable and I am looking forward to the future collaboration with Vyborg."
Photo shows Provost Fergus Wood and Dr Ken Thomson signing the MoU, witnessed by Mr Krutikov.
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