After years of political and diplomatic talks, two giant pandas - Tian Tian and Yang Guang - are due to arrive in Scotland soon, with a celebratory welcome marking the deal.
Preparations for the pair, who are on loan from China, have included creating a new enclosure, special training for the zookeepers and stockpiling bamboo, their favourite food.
The gifting of pandas is a key part of Chinese tradition and history. Previous recipients include the USA following a visit by President Nixon to China, and London Zoo after a request from British Prime Minister Edward Heath.
The arrival of female Tian Tian and male Yang Guang (Sweetie and Sunlight) in Scotland represents an important development in international relations.
It is a high-profile deal which puts Scotland in the spotlight on a world stage and shows co-operation with China on a range of environmental, cultural and commerce issues.
Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Edinburgh Zoo to see the pandas in their Scottish home which is a £250,000 enclosure complete with swimming pool, kitchen and nursery, and it's hoped the endangered species will be encouraged to breed.
To celebrate their arrival, the Scottish Government has commissioned a Chinese tartan and the pandas have been given their own design. The Gillespie tartan is named after Edinburgh lawyer Thomas Gillespie who founded the Royal Zoological Society of Edinburgh in 1909. Predominant colours are black and white representing the pandas, with red for China and green to reflect bamboo.
While the pandas are attracting visitors, the deal to bring them to Scotland also represents the potential for new cultural, trade and education opportunities in China, the world's fastest growing economy.
As one of the world's top exporters, China attracts record amounts of foreign investment and, in turn, is investing billions of dollars abroad. Already some 40 Scottish companies have a presence in mainland China and Scotland is strong in many of China's key strategic growth sectors, including renewable energy, life sciences and financial services.
The Chinese government is continuing to encourage its companies to increase investment in research and development opening up further collaborations with Scottish companies and universities.
Cultural links with China are also strong and this year the Edinburgh International Festival had a specific Asian theme to celebrate the country's unique culture. One highlight was a visit from the National Ballet of China.
Higher education in Scotland remains a popular choice for Chinese students, with scores making the move abroad each year. Chinese schools and higher education institutes have a world-renowned reputation and improved links gives Scottish students the chance to study abroad.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh University has set up a Confucius Institute - the first in Scotland - to promote the teaching of Chinese language and culture.
Higher Mandarin/Cantonese was introduced last year and has already seen more centres offering the subject. It is hoped Scottish children will have the opportunity to learn the language at primary school level in future.
As Scotland makes a home for the pandas, various elements of Scottish culture are being enjoyed in China. With a taste for whisky, the Chinese are now among the biggest importers of Scotland's national drink, and golf is one of the country's fastest growing sports.
