Pandas take high road to traditional Scottish welcome

Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrived at Edinburgh Airport at 1pm on a specially-chartered non-stop flight from China.

The eight-year-old breeding pair are destined for Edinburgh Zoo, which will be their home for the next 10 years.

The flight crew was met on the tarmac by a delegation which included Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Edinburgh’s Lord Provost George Grubb.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Securing the loan of this breeding pair is a considerable honour and a strong and compelling symbol of the friendship between Scotland and China.

“Having Tian Tian and Yang Guang at Edinburgh Zoo is testament to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s world-class reputation for research, science and conservation. They will undoubtedly be a huge draw for visitors, benefiting the Scottish economy and tourism sector.

Mr Moore said: “The arrival of Tian Tian and Yang Guang in Scotland marks another significant chapter in the relationship between China and the UK.

“The pair will be a huge asset to the zoo and Edinburgh and today marks the culmination of a great deal of work by UK government Ministers and officials to bring the pandas here.”

He added: “The pandas are a symbol of the regard in which the UK is held around the world.”

Meanwhile, First Minister Alex Salmond, who is in China, will thank the Chinese Vice Premier, Li Keqiang, in a meeting in Beijing today.

Mr Salmond said: “As panda-mania hits Scotland, and we extend a warm Scottish welcome to Tian Tian and Yang Guang, I am delighted to have the opportunity to personally thank the Chinese government and extend our thanks to Vice Premier Li Keqiang, who visited Edinburgh himself earlier this year.

“The great gift of these giant pandas symbolises the great and growing relationship between Scotland and China which we will take further forward tomorrow when Vice Premier Li and I meet and discuss Scotland and China’s business, cultural and diplomatic links which are growing ever stronger to the benefit of both nations.”