Population: 2,500
Area: 3.5 sq miles
Climate: Subtropical, warm summers, mild winters, avg 51–95°F
Languages: English, Spanish
Diaspora populations/culturally distinct communities: Scots-Irish heritage community; Hispanic population
Neighboring cities/countries: Temple (10 mi), Belton (8 mi), Austin (58 mi), Waco (30 mi)
Main Industry:
- Heritage tourism
- Arts
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Small business
Education
- Primary Schools: 2
- Colleges/Universities: 0 (nearby: Temple College, UMHB)
The extent of government interest in and support for city pairing
High. Board of Aldermen authorized August 6, 2026. Village Administrator is coordinating authority.
The extent of private groups / organizations interest
High. Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Salado Museum and College Park (501c3), and Scottish Gathering and Highland Games all engaged.
Awards / Recognitions
Texas Heritage Tourism destination. Cultural arts community. 65th Annual Scottish Gathering and Highland Games.
What spurred interest for city pairing?
Salado was founded in 1859 by Colonel Elijah Sterling Clack Robertson, whose lineage traces to Clan Donnachaidh in Highland Perthshire, Scotland. Board of Aldermen authorized a Sister City initiative with Scotland on August 6, 2026.
What does your city have to offer a potential Sister City?
Documented Robertson-Donnachaidh heritage link to Highland Perthshire; 65-year Highland Games as annual exchange platform; active arts, artisan maker economy, and heritage tourism CVB.
Other areas the city is willing to pursue
Archival research (Salado Museum, 501c3); Robertson-Donnachaidh genealogy research with Clan Donnachaidh Society; Scottish music and performance exchange; youth and student exchange (Salado ISD).
Thematic Interests
Village of Salado is interested in:
- Virtual cultural exchanges, festivals and activities
- Organizing global travel exchanges
- Youth/student exchange programs
- Economic partnerships/business development/trade delegations
- Municipal governance exchanges
- Hosting Annual/regional conference
Geographic & Regional Interests
Regional Interests: Northern Europe
Geographic interests (e.g., mountain/coastal towns): Highland Perthshire, Scotland. Small historic Highland towns with artisan economy and festival culture. Under 5,000 population, comparable scale to Salado.
Any specific cities previously researched? / Why do these particular cities stand out?
Aberfeldy, Perth & Kinross — leading recommendation. Pitlochry, Perth & Kinross — co-finalist. Aberfoyle, Stirling. Dunkeld & Birnam, Perth & Kinross. Culross, Fife. Peebles, Scottish Borders. All share documented connection to Clan Robertson/Donnachaidh heartland in Highland Perthshire and align with Salado’s 65-year Highland Games heritage.
Primary Contact
Name: BG José David Rivera, USA (Ret.) — R1 and Associates LLC
Phone: (512) 818-0483
Email: [email protected]
Secondary Contact
Name: Lynette McCain Jones, Executive Director, Salado Museum and College Park
Phone: (254) 947-5232
Email: [email protected]
Organization: Village of Salado, Texas — Incorporated Municipality