About PHTA

Peebles Hendaye Twinning Association (PHTA) was formed following the decision to twin with Hendaye made by the Royal Burgh of Peebles and District Community Council in autumn 1996. Following this decision the Association was formed and adopted its Constitution in February 1997. The aims of PHTA were

• to promote friendship between the communities of Peebles and Hendaye;
• to encourage exchanges and educational, cultural, instructional and recreational visits between all age groups;
• to assist in the administration of any functions/hospitality;
• to encourage and promote the exchange of information on economic,educational, technical, recreational and cultural matters;
• to give assistance from such funds as may become available to the Association or which they may themselves raise for the purpose, to any persons in pursuance of the Association's objectives.

A Twinning Charter in English, French and Basque was lodged with the European Union in the course of 1997, and two twinning ceremonies were held, first in Peebles in February 1998, followed by one a year later in Hendaye.  For the Ceremony in Peebles in 1998, Peebles was presented with a beautiful hand-crafted version Charter by the citizens of Hendaye.  This was signed by representatives of Peebles and Hendaye during the ceremony in Peebles. A segment of this work of art bearing the coats of arms of Peebles and Hendaye appears as a theme throughout this website.  

The twinning was initiated following an approach from Hendaye to Tweeddale District Council in 1993. The Council decided to pass this decision to the Royal Burgh of Peebles and District Community Council.  Their decision was made following a public consultation, in which the idea of twinning received support from clubs and societies in the town and members of the public.