Spain’s tiny ‘Scotland village’ where local football team wears St Mirren kit

Scotland’s influence is felt all over the world, with millions of people across the globe celebrating their Scots heritage.

One place you might not expect to find some traditional Scottish flair, however, is the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees. It may sound strange, but the tiny village of Borgonya sports Scottish street names and a even nod to St Mirren.

As reported by the Scottish Daily Express, Borgonya is the perfect hidden gem for anyone looking for a Scottish connection while travelling in Europe this summer. The quaint village lies along the River Ter in Catalonia, around 55 miles north of Barcelona.

Formerly a textile colony, Paisley-based company J&P Coats Ltd set up shop in Borgonya in 1893. The company sent off Scottish employees to train locals, who developed the village according to Scottish and British ideas — with terraced and detached houses with flourishing gardens designed to provide a familiar touch.

Unsurprisingly, roads in Borgonya were also assigned Scots names such as Paisley and Escotia. To this day, the local football team dons black and white stripes and a Saltire on the badge in honour of St Mirren.

Sadly, the factory in the village closed its doors in 2000. However, Borgonya has kept its unique ties to Scotland.

In 2018, plans to set up a museum honouring the Scottish-Spanish relationship were unveiled. Meanwhile, the Mayor of the Sant Vicenç de Torello municipality Eric Sibina has stated: “We are proud to have a colony with both heritage and historical value for Catalonia.

“I invite Scots to come and visit as they will find a small part of Scotland in the heart of Catalonia.”

Compared to Scotland, the weather in Borgonya is certainly more enticing. While we are currently shivering at the start of July, temperatures are peaking at around 26C over there — with the mercury expected to rise over 30C in the next week.

The village boasts great places to eat, and is an ideal spot to explore the stunning surrounding hiking trails. If you ever find yourself in Catalonia, it is well worth a detour.

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