Dr. Alastair McPhail, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Rome was in Barga this morning on his first visit to the “Most Scottish Town in Italy” His tartan tie gave hint of his Scottish origins – confirmed once his soft brogue was heard. The special relationship between Barga and Scotland continues even at diplomatic levels as he was accompanied on his visit by Moira Macfarlane, British Consul General at Firenze, another well known Scottish face in the city and long time friend of Barga. A poignant visit for Moira Macfarlane as she was here to also bid a farewell to the Mayor of Barga, Umberto Sereni who is on the last couple of months of his administration.
Moira is also retiring from the diplomatic service in the next two months but maybe her interest with this area will not decrease in retirement as she is actively looking for a property in Barga.