By Mary Frances McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 12/11/03)

The fifth-grade classes of St. Mary School in Alexandria had all their questions about Alexandria’s Scottish heritage answered last week.

John and Betty Ledford, the Lord and Lady Provost of Dundee, Scotland, Alexandria’s sister city, paid a visit to St. Mary School in Alexandria after receiving essays from a group of fifth-grade students.

"What does haggis taste like?" asked one boy.

While the Lord Provost refused to tell him what is really in haggis, he assured them it was not a three-legged creature who lives deep in the woods; and he also assured him that not many Scots are fond of haggis.

"Do you play the bagpipes?" asked another child.

"It’s like the haggis," answered the Lord Provost. "Not every Scot likes the bagpipes."

Students were given the summer assignment of visiting one of several cultural exhibits at various museums, one being the Scottish Heritage museum at the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Museum. They were then asked to write about 10 things they learned. Marie Scheessele, one of the fifth-grade teachers, chose nine essays that were sent to Dundee.

The Lord Provost explained the reasons for sister cities to the students, specifically the education and wellbeing of children. "Sitting in front of me are the people who are our future," he said. "I wish you every success in your future education."

Members of the student council had the opportunity to wear the chain of office that is customarily only worn by the Lord Provost. In Scotland, he said, it would be taboo for someone to simply try it on.

The gold chain worn over the shoulders of the Lord Provost was acquired in 1871. King George V donated the emerald that hangs from it in 1914. It is said that it is the second largest emerald of its kind in the world. Below the emerald, hangs the shield of the city of Dundee.

Although Lord Provost said the chain can get heavy after wearing it for many hours, he said, "It will never be heavy because it’s a great honor to wear it."

On Saturday, the Lord and Lady Provost participated in Alexandria’s annual Christmas Walk.