Ex-president of Catalonia takes prime festival role

THE exiled former president of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, unexpectedly arrived in Scotland last night with plans to highlight the issue of Catalan independence.

Mr Puigdemont was making his first trip outside Belgium since his international arrest warrant was lifted by the Spanish authorities.

His arrival comes at a crucial time following the formation of a new government in Spain and just days after it emerged that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has plans to visit Catalonia later this year.

Mr Puigdemont is to speak tomorrow at the Beyond Borders International Festival in Innerleithen at a session entitled Where Now For Catalonia And Europe?’

Current Catalan President Quim Torra, who was a guest at Bute House last month, was originally intended to appear at the festival. Instead, organisers confirmed Mr Puigdemont will discuss the turbulent political developments that have affected the region.

He is expected to renew his call for dialogue and proportionality amid tensions between Barcelona and Madrid over the detention of nine Catalan political prisoners.

The exiled leader announced his arrival on Twitter: “I just arrived in #Escocia invited by the diplomatic Forum @Beyondborders to explain the conflict in Catalan. We invite the international activity to fight for the freedom of the #Republicacatalana.”