Providence to Sign Friendship Pact with Ayr, Scotland; Host St. Andrew’s Weekend

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Brett P. Smiley today joined Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa, Providence City Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, GoProvidence President and CEO Kristen Adamo and Track 15’s Christopher Marsella to announce that Providence will sign a friendship pact with Ayr, Scotland, and host St. Andrew’s Weekend from Friday, November 27, through Monday, November 30. The celebration will conclude with a signing ceremony with South Ayrshire government officials on November 30 at Providence City Hall.

The connection between the two cities developed after Providence’s 39 days of FanZone celebrations, which welcomed more than 150,000 visitors to Station Park. The City and GoProvidence worked with Scottish Tartan Army organizers to host thousands of Scottish soccer fans, who filled local restaurants and bars, marched through the city streets and raised thousands of dollars for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. When Scottish fans returned home, they urged South Ayrshire Council to formalize the friendship that began in Providence this summer.

“Scottish fans came to Providence to cheer on their team, and discovered an incredible destination in Providence,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “They filled our local businesses, gave back to our community and went home determined to keep the friendship going. This pact gives us a way to do that, and St. Andrew’s Weekend gives everyone in Providence a chance to be part of it.”

The pact will give Providence and Ayr a formalized pathway to coordinate on tourism, cultural and educational exchanges, and business development. Committees on both sides of the Atlantic have begun exploring opportunities for local businesses, students and cultural organizations to build relationships through the partnership.

“This summer’s World Cup brought so many international soccer fans to our city, who then in turn became fans of Providence. We discovered that the enthusiasm of our Scottish guests, in particular, could only be matched by Providence’s hospitality,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5).  “Today, we are turning the friendships built during that time into a lasting bond between our two communities. May this friendship mark the beginning of many years of cultural exchange, shared opportunity, and enduring goodwill between Providence and Ayr, Scotland.”

Following the generosity of the Tartan Army, GoProvidence and the Rhode Island Sports Commission made a $5,000 donation to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, and Providence bars and restaurants stepped up to match it. In total, nearly $15,000 was presented to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charities, which serves South Ayrshire communities.

“When the Tartan Army arrived in Providence, they flooded our restaurants, bars and local businesses. It was an electric summer in the city. Their energy and excitement was palpable,” said GoProvidence President and CEO Kristen Adamo. “We met new friends, learned new traditions and now we are trying to bring some of that energy back to our local community by celebrating St. Andrew’s Day weekend. We’ve invited Gregor Cowan, the towering, kilt-wearing, red bearded Scotsman who led the Tartan Army march this past summer, to return with his fellow Tartan Army colleague Jason Skimming. So put on your kilt, wear your jersey and join the celebration. Whether your ancestry is Scottish –or if you want to be Scottish for a day– we’re inviting everyone to participate in the St. Andrew’s Day Weekend festivities.”

From November 27 to 30 there will be St Andrew’s Weekend promotions at the participating bars and restaurants:

For more information, visit goprovidence.com/st-andrewsday.