A History of the FrancoScottish Society Lucyna Lindsay

A History of the Franco-Scottish Society Lucyna Lindsay Vice President of the Perth Branch

Outline of today’s talk • • History of the Auld Alliance Foundation of the Franco-Scottish Society Scottish French relations in World War II Aim of the Franco-Scottish Society Current Organisation and Structure Benefactors Activities What we get up to in the Society and in Perth

The Auld Alliance started in 1295 as an agreement between John Balliol of Scotland Philippe IV of France which was ratified as the treaty of Paris. The treaty stated that if England attacked either Country the partner nation would attack English Territory.

The Auld Alliance • In keeping with much of the politics of that time there were more occasions when the treaty wasn’t enacted. • However Scotland benefited from being linked to a major European power and France benefitted by Scotland threatening English security. • Importantly both benefitted from the cultural exchanges that ensued…

The Auld Alliance • The Auld Alliance was renewed a number of times over the centuries in an attempt to respond to changing relations between the three nations. • The conflicts between England France particularly during the 100 years’ war led to many Scots becoming French subjects or being granted lands and titles.

The Auld Alliance • In 1502 the treaty was disbanded when Henry VIII’s sister Margaret Tudor married James IV of Scotland only to be reinstated when Mary Queen of Scots married François II. • Then finally laid to rest by the Act of Union between England Scotland in 1706/7

The Auld Alliance Will it be revived in 2014 by Francois (the last) and Alex I ?

The Auld Alliance • The cultural legacy can be seen in Law, Language, Finance and most obviously by castles in the baronial style inspired by French Chateaux.

Foundation of the Franco-Scottish Society • In an attempt to preserve and promote the cultural relationship between France and Scotland Dr Patrick Geddes and Thomas Barclay founded the Edinburgh branch of the Franco-Scottish Society in 1895. • Patrick Geddes was a highly accomplished individual born in Ballater, educated at the Perth Academy and later became a professor at Dundee University. • Geddes was a Biologist, Town Planner, Philanthropist and most importantly a Francophile.

Foundation of the Franco-Scottish Society • The Franco-Ecossaise Societé was founded in Paris in 1896. • In 1924 Geddes founded the college des Ecossais an international teaching establishment in Montpelier.

Scottish French relations in World War II In 1942 General De-Gaulle gave a speech in Edinburgh in which he said… “In every combat where for five centuries the destiny of France was at stake, there were always men of Scotland to fight side by side with men of France and what Frenchmen feel is that no people has ever been more generous than yours with its friendship. ”

Scottish French relations in World War II • In that same year at the Perth Station Hotel the Perthshire Fighting French Association was formed to support French Resistance domiciled in Perth. • The Organisation formed a close friendship with the French people at a time of dire need and at the end of the war it was proposed that Perth be twinned with St. Lô in Normandy. • The Franco-Ecossaise Societé in Perth and the Perthshire Fighting French Association were merged in 1947 with Lord Mansfield as the first president.

Aims of the Franco-Scottish Society • Foster contact between the French and Scottish people • Maintain the links between the nations that began in 1295 with the Auld Alliance • Enhance Franco-Scottish relations within the European Union and the Commonwealth • Provide travel and opportunities for individuals and groups • To increase understanding of the French language, way of life and current affairs.

Current Organisation and Structure • Honorary Presidents include: • Lord Balfour of Burleigh • His excellency the French ambassador - Bernard Emié • (Consul de France in Edinburgh Pierre- Alain Coffinier) • President: Professor Sir David Edward, a lawyer and academic, Former Judge at the European Court of Justice • Office bearers including: • Vice President • Treasurer • Secretary

President Sir David Edward receiving the Légion d’Honneur

Current Organisation and Structure • In Scotland the Franco-Ecossaise Society is a recognised charity (NO SCO 02507). • National Council meets twice a year and holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM), hosted each year by a different branch.

Current Organisation and Structure • Branches in no particular order: • Edinburgh • Perth • Aberdeen • Glasgow • Dumfries and Galloway • St. Andrews • Inverness (Proposed) • Each branch elects its own office bearers and committee – usually for a period of 3 years

Benefactors • The major benefactor is Alexander Gray an Aberdeen lawyer and accountant; member of the Aberdeen Branch of the Franco-Scottish Society who bequeathed his estate to the Society. • It was his wish the money would be held in Trust to be used to help young Scottish people studying French to pursue their studies in France with the expressed wish that it would provide the opportunity to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it.

Benefactors • 8 th Marquis of Lansdowne (1912 - 1999) former President and Honorary President of the Society who has given his name to the Bi-annual lecture. • This year’s Lansdowne lecture is organised by the Perth Branch and will take place in St John’s Kirk on 22 nd November. • There will be two talks given by: Jim Laidlow on the subject of the treaty of Perth between Norway and Scotland in 1266. Philippe Contamine who will talk about Joan D’Arc

Bursaries • Annual prize of £ 400 for the Scottish student who achieved the highest mark in advanced higher French. This year two students shared the prize as they both got the same score. • Alexander Gray £ 1, 000 travel prize for a student studying French at school to help them pursue their studies in France. This grant is awarded at the discretion of each of the six Branches. • £ 500 is available for each branch to cover the expenses of French speakers and to help local schools promote French activities.

Bursaries Previous winners: • 2008/9 Heather Sadler: Breadalbane Academy Research in Paris for project for her baccalaureate. Spent two weeks in French Lycée in Melun • 2009/10 Amelia Bayler: Crieff High School Worked as a volunteer at the Shakespeare festival in Avignon • 2010/11 Amy Wilkinson: Perth Academy Attended a summer course in French at a French University • 2011/12 Megan Daily: St John’s Academy attended an intensive course in French language at Aix-en-Provence Studied traditional Breton music in Brittany • 2012/2013 Evana Ferguson: St John’s Academy Attended language school in Montpelier and Paris, interested in photography.

Previous Winners Heather Sadler 2008/2009 Amelia Bayler 2009/2010 Evana Ferguson 2012/2013 Amy Wilkinson 2010/2011 Megan Dailly 2011/2012

What we get up to as a Society… • Exchange visits between French and Scottish Societies: • two years ago Perth hosted French group who visited prominent sites in Perthshire and St. Andrews • Last year a Scottish group went to Normandy • This year a trip to visit the islands is being arranged by the Glasgow Branch • Celebrated the 700 th Anniversary of the Auld Alliance in 1995 • Organise educational, cultural and social events • Publish a Bulletin once a year in French and English • Magazines from Association Franco-Ecossaise

Scottish and French members in Normandy

What we get up to in Perth… • At branch level: programme of talks in English and French, film shows, wine tasting, dinners, Bastille day lunch, Epiphany lunch • Maintain close ties with the French Institute in Edinburgh and the Alliance-Française in Glasgow • Financial help for local schools, French books, DVDs etc. • Funding to Perth Academy for school trip to Calais. • Identify a student who will receive the Alexander Gray Prize to advance their French studies and arrange for them to give an account of their experiences at the end of the year after the stay in France.

Vital Statistics of the Society in Perth • There are 42 members currently, enrolment for next year between August and September, fee £ 15 pa. • We meet 7 times a year • Meetings are held at the Society for the Blind, St Paul’s Centre beginning October, on Wednesdays at 19. 30 • We are a friendly lot and put on interesting events • Not essential for you to be fluent in French

Epiphany Lunch

Contact Us www. franco-scottish. org. uk lucyna. lindsay@btinternet. com