The Dunedin-Edinburgh Sister City Society is back on air with a radio show and podcast in the lead-up to this year’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations.
OAR FM Dunedin show Kilts and Kiwis has returned for a third series. The fortnightly magazine-style programme features music, interviews and updates on plans for the annual Celebrate St Andrew’s Day event, to be held in the Octagon on Saturday, 30 November.
Marion O’Kane, who co-hosts the show with Simon Vare, said the Society’s role was to promote and grow the creative links between Dunedin and Edinburgh.
“The radio show is an opportunity to talk about what communities here and in Edinburgh are up to, and to further the Society’s aims of building on our historical connections.
“We’ll be talking with guests from Edinburgh as well as Dunedin people who are preparing to make this year’s St Andrew’s Day very special.”
This year was the first time the Society’s event in the Octagon would be held on Scotland’s official national day. As well as all the usual stalls, games, music and family-friendly “have-a-go” activities, there would be plenty of Scottish-themed food items.
Listeners with a yen for a hearty bowl of porridge in the meantime could expect competitions and giveaways of Harraways products on the Kilts and Kiwis show.
Mr Vare said a “friendship agreement” with Corstorphine Community Council, signed earlier this year, was an example of the Society’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with Edinburgh.
“We’re looking to find mutually beneficial solutions to common challenges and to build on longstanding connections.
“The agreement includes supporting and developing new social and economic, cultural and community programmes to encourage citizens of both cities to share their experiences and learn from one another.”
Kilts and Kiwis airs every second Friday at 10am on OAR 105.4FM and 1575AM, with podcasts available from oar.org.nz, Google podcasts and Apple podcasts.