Courtesy call on Cllr Donald Balsillie, Provost of Clackmannanshire Council
2026/8/24
On Monday 24th August, Consul General Katsutoshi Takeda visited Alloa and paid a courtesy call on Cllr Donald Balsillie, Provost of Clackmannanshire Council. The Provost accompanied Consul General Takeda on a tour of the Clackmannanshire area, known as the smallest council area on the UK mainland (excluding the islands).
Clackmannanshire once flourished as a hub for coal mining and transportation, and boasts a rich history as the home of numerous breweries. The region is also home to the Japanese Garden at Cowden Castle, reflecting a long-standing connection with Japan.
During the visit, both parties exchanged opinions on the friendship that has existed so far between the area and Japan. They agreed to work closely together to further strengthen this relationship in the future.
Clackmannanshire once flourished as a hub for coal mining and transportation, and boasts a rich history as the home of numerous breweries. The region is also home to the Japanese Garden at Cowden Castle, reflecting a long-standing connection with Japan.
During the visit, both parties exchanged opinions on the friendship that has existed so far between the area and Japan. They agreed to work closely together to further strengthen this relationship in the future.