SOUTH Ayrshire had a formal international visitor as the mayor of an Italian town with strong links to Scotland recently visited the area.

Provost Iain Campbell was visited by Caterina Campani, Mayor of Barga, in Italy.

Barga is known as the “most Scottish town in Italy”, with a large number of Scottish-Italian families hailing from the small town in Tuscany.

Read More: ‘Slut’ shame doorstep shouter hurled abuse after being thrown out of Ayr home

Ties are strong between Barga and South Ayrshire, as many Scottish-Italian families run businesses such as ice cream parlours and fish and chip shops along the west coast of Scotland.

Provost Campbell is pictured with Anthony Cecchini, Mayor Caterina Campani, leader of South Ayrshire Council Martin Dowey, and Chamber of Commerce President Ilaria Del Bianco at the County Buildings, Ayr.