The Franco-Scottish Society of Scotland was founded in Edinburgh in 1895. It is one of three Franco-Scottish Societies, all of which maintain close links with one another. The Association Franco-Écossaise began life in Paris in 1896, and the Franco-Scottish Society of Canada was re-launched one hundred years later.

  The Franco-Scottish Society of Scotland is an independent organisation recognised as a Scottish Charity (No SCO02507). Its members are spread over seven Branches: in Aberdeen, Dumfries and Galloway, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Helensburgh, Perth and St Andrews. National office-bearers and Branch representatives form the Council of the Society which meets twice a year, generally in November and March. The different Branches host the Annual General Meeting in rotation.

Last year's AGM was held in Helensburgh on 31st May 2008.

  From the outset the Society aimed to foster contacts between the French and the Scots and to develop their traditional friendship enshrined - since at least 1295 - in the Auld Alliance. Through educational, cultural and social activities, the Society continues to pursue these objectives today, believing that the development of Franco-Scottish relations in the European Union and also in the Commonwealth are as important as they have ever been.

  In Scotland the Society offers a focus for individuals and groups who wish to keep in touch with France, its culture, language, attitudes and current affairs. No specialist knowledge of France or of the French language is necessary, but native speakers of French are of course particularly welcome. Members receive the annual Bulletins of the Scottish and French branches as well as the programme of their local Branch.

  Please click on one of the links to learn more about the Franco-Scottish Society of Scotland, to have details of the Branch Programmes for 2005-06, or to have information about the annual subscription and how to become a member. The National Secretary and the Branch Secretaries will be happy to answer enquiries made by E-mail, letter or telephone.

Locally, each Branch arranges its own annual programme which typically takes the form of meetings each month from September to April or May. The meetings take the form of talks, films, discussions, visits, music, wine-tastings, social or sporting events, soirées or matinées françaises. Some meetings are in French, some in English, some in a mixture of the two languages.

Nationally, the Society collaborates with bodies such as the Institut Français d'Ecosse (http://www.ifecosse.org.uk) the Alliance Française de Glasgow (http://www.afglasgow.org.uk), the Franco-British Society (http://www.francobritishsociety.org.uk) and the Scottish Universities to organise occasional public exhibitions, concerts, lectures, conferences etc.

Internationally, the Society keeps in regular contact with its sister organisation in France, the Association Franco-écossaise (http://www.franco-ecossaise.asso.fr) which is based in Paris, and also with the Association France Grande-Bretagne (frgb.asso@libertysurf.fr) in Orléans.

Franco-Scottish Relations. The Society promotes exchanges between Scotland and France, for example through twinning, work experience placements, professional links and research contacts.

The Lansdowne Fund owes its beginning to generous gifts from the 8th Marquess of Lansdowne (1912-99), former President and Honorary President of the Society, and has been augmented with the proceeds of a recent appeal in his memory. The Fund meets the costs of the Lansdowne Prize and Lecture.

The Lansdowne Prize is awarded annually to the most outstanding candidate in the Scottish Qualifications Authority's Higher Still French examination.
The winner in 2005 was Kitty Horsey, St Mary's Music School, Edinburgh.
The winner in 2006 was Imogen Whiteside from Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen.
The winner in 2007 was Emily Frier, George Heriot's School, Edinburgh.

The Lansdowne Lecture. Every two years an eminent speaker is invited to talk on a theme of Franco-Scottish interest before an audience made up of members, guests and the general public.
The Lansdowne Lecture in 2004 was given by Professor Hew Strachan, All Souls College, Oxford, in Glasgow City Chambers. The subject was "Cemented by war: the Entente Cordiale and the First World War".
In 2006 the Lecture was given by Dr Jamie Reid Baxter in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. The subject was: George Buchanan: Scotland's Voice in France.
This marked the five-hundredth anniversary of the birth of George Buchanan, historian, scholar and teacher.
You may download the text of the lecture by clicking here for Buchanan.doc. Please also click to visit our Document and Digital Resource Archive for mp3 downloads of the psalms.

In 2000 the Lecture was given by Professor Siân Reynolds of the University of Stirling who spoke on "Professor Geddes goes to the Exhibition: Patrick Geddes's international diplomacy at the 1900 Paris World's Fair"; her lecture was published in the 2001 issue of the Society's Bulletin. The 2002 Lecture was given by HE Jean Guéguinou, Ambassadeur de France and Honorary President of the Association Franco-écossaise, who chose as his theme "Cultural Diversity: France's Strategy. Europe's Ambitions"; his lecture appeared in the 2003 Bulletin.

Publications. The annual Bulletin and a series of Occasional Papers.

Visits to France, open to members, take place periodically, and are usually organised in conjunction with the Association Franco-écossaise.

Honorary Presidents: Lord Balfour of Burleigh, HE The French Ambassador.

President: Professor Sir David Edward

Vice-President: Janine Adamson
E-Mail janine.adamson@virgin.net

General Secretary: Françoise Pérombelon
E-Mail mcmperom@tiscali.co.uk

General Treasurer: Mr Bill Trotter,
E-Mail general.treasurer@franco-scottish.org.uk

Editor of the Bulletin: Professor Sam Taylor,
E-Mail ssbt@st-andrews.ac.uk

Chairman: Jean Ironside 01224 318 508

Vice-Chair: .

Treasurer: Alastair Hunter 01224 644 030

Secretary: Rhona Bean 01224 590 903
E-mail: rhonabean@hotmail.com

Committee: Rhona Bean,
Sheila Harrison,
Donald Gowdy, Margaret Murray, Judith Carle

Our Aims: Inspired by the historic friendship between France and Scotland, the Society fosters closer ties between the two nations. The Society's activities concentrate on French culture in the widest sense and the influence of France on Scotland's heritage. There is opportunity at the meetings to converse in French and in English.

Library: The Aberdeen Branch has a collection of French books which may be borrowed free of charge by any member. A complete list of the books is available (send a large stamped addressed envelope with one first class and one second class stamp to the Secretary). Members can order books by contacting the Secretary.

Annual Subscription: £15.00 per person, £27.00 per couple, £2.50 for students. Guests and Visitors, £2.50 per evening.

Lifts
Members who would like a lift to go to meetings at the Total E & P UK premises at Altens should contact the Secretary or another Committee Member.

All Meetings start at 7.30 p.m.

Tuesday 9th October 2007 Soirée d’accueil Lapérouse en Australie Talk in English by our Chairman Miss Jean Ironside followed by light refreshments Venue: Midstocket Church House 35 Midstocket Road

Tuesday 13th November La Pomme de Terre à travers les âges Conférence en français présentée par Dr Michael Pemberton Venue: Total French School, Whitehall Place

Tuesday 11th December Three “Scottish” Operas: Maria Stuarda, Lucia di Lammermoor, Macbeth Ilustrated talk in English with musical excerpts by Dr Gert Ronberg followed by refreshments Venue: The Total French School Whitehall Place

Tuesday 15th January 2008 James IV, James V and the Auld Alliance Talk in English by Mr Derrick McClure Lecturer in English Dept, University of Aberdeen Venue: Total French School, Whitehall Place

Tuesday 12th February Visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery to view French Impressionist Paintings Meet in Foyer at Gallery at 7.30 pm.

Tuesday 11th March Childhood as portrayed in French films - TBC Talk in English by Dr. James Steel, University of Glasgow Venue: Total French School, Whitehall Place

Tuesday 8th April Title to be confirmed Conférence en français présentée par un professeur de L’Ecole Française Venue: Total French School, Whitehall Place

Tuesday 13th May Secrets of the Rue S. Roch Talk in English by Lady Isabel Balfour preceded by the AGM at 7.00 p.m. and followed by refreshments Venue: TOTAL E&P UK, Crawpeel Road, Altens

Saturday in May: SOCIAL EVENT - Details to be confirmed

President: Margaret Boomhour tel 01848 330605.

Vice-President: Cecilia Franklin tel 01557 814190.
E-Mail ceciliaandroro@yahoo.com

Secretary: Margaret Bold tel 01848 331503.
E-mail MargaretBold05@aol.com

Treasurer: Juliet Crump
Email mcandjcc@tiscali.co.uk

Meetings are held in the Friendship Club,West Morton Street, Thornhill at 7.30 p.m.with the exception of the Film Evening which is held in the Burns Centre, Dumfries.

Saturday 22 September "Le Festival de Cannes." Conférence en français présentée par Janine Adamson. Diapos. Café et pâtisserie.

Saturday 27 October Members' Night.Une vente aux enchères. Café et pâtisserie.

Saturday 24 November French film.Burns Centre,Dumfries. Details will be sent to members as soon as available.

2008
Saturday 19 January Selon nos traditions, Soirée après Noël. Repas fête.

Saturday 23 February "La grammaire en chantant." Conférence en français présentée par Claire Charlwood. An interactive evening.

Saturday 19 April "The Auld Alliance." Conférence en français présentée par Jane Cavani.

Saturday 10 May Branch AGM.

Chairman: Rosemary J. Johnston

Honorary Secretary: Stephen Holland (0131 337 9290)
E-Mail stephen@holland11.plus.com

Honorary Treasurer: June Kean

Committee Members: Dr Arthur Kitchin,
David Lowther

Webmaster: Nick Madsen

2007

Wednesday 3 October
Dr David Howarth, Reader, History of Art, University of Edinburgh Poussin and the Ancients (English)

Wednesday 24 October
Mrs Janine Adamson, National Vice-President, Franco-Scottish Society Madame de Pompadour et les arts (French)

Wednesday 14 November
Ms Deirdre Nicholls, General Secretary, Franco-Scottish Business Club Franco-Scottish business relations (English)

Wednesday 12 December
Fête de Noël

2008

Wednesday 9 January
To be announced

Wednesday 30 January
Mr Ian Gardiner, RLS Club On the trail of Stevenson’s Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes (English)

Wednesday 20 February NB start at 7.00 pm
Soirée conviviale

Wednesday 12 March
M Rolland Man, OLL, University of Edinburgh Trois visages de star-système (Josephine Baker, Danielle Darrieux, Jeanne Moreau) (French)

Wednesday 9 April
Mr Neil Butterworth, Musicologist The influence of French music on others: from Lully to Messiaen (English)

Wednesday 30 April
Branch AGM

Branch President: Jacqueline McNeill
E-Mail ferndale@scotland.to

Secretary: Carol Woodward 0141 942 1149
E-Mail cwoodward3@toucansurf.com

Treasurer: Ian McLennan 0141 942 6754

Branch Vice-President: Dr Willis Marker 0141 942 6756

Membership You may join or renew your subscription using this form. Please click here (glasgowsubs.doc) to download the form as a WORD document. Members of the Glasgow Branch are very welcome to to take part in the matinées françaises, run in conjunction with the Alliance Francaise, at 2-3 Park Circus on the first Wednesday of each month (10 a.m. until noon) except in August. They can also borrow books, videos and tapes from the Alliance Française Médiathèque at 2-3 Park Circus, subscription £9.00 or £3.00 (OAP).

Our season starts on Thursday September 18th 2008 at 7.30.
We are inaugurating our new premises at Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church, Observatory Road, Glasgow (off Byres Road).
Our first meeting will be, as usual, a social gathering where old and new friends meet and chat while enjoying French delicacies and wine. This year nous ‘pendons la crémaillère’ sous notre nouveau toit.

You will find our program for the season 2008/09 with its familiar events. However two of our ‘Samedi Rencontres’ will present a new format in the form of an open discussion, in French, around an art form – book, film, painting, play etc. The meeting place is the CCA in Sauchiehall Street at 11.30 am. (See program).

Au plaisir de se rencontrer et de lier et relier toutes nos amitiés dans une atmosphère toute française !

Thursday evening meetings 7.30pm (and Dec. 6th afternoon 2.00pm) at Kelvinside-Hillhead Parish Church, Observatory Road, G12 (just off Byres Road).

Samedis rencontres at 11.30am - see locations below.

2008

Thursday 18th September Pendre la crémaillère> : a sociable evening with refreshments

Saturday 11th October - 11.30am Guided tour of the People’s Palace with Jean Tait

Thursday 16th October Visiting speaker from Marseilles

Saturday 15th November - 11.30am Conversation autour d’an art, at the CCA, Sauchiehall Street

Thursday 20th November Voyage en Franche-Comté, récits avec photos

Saturday 6th December - 2.00pm Joyeux Noël, with refreshments and entertainment

2009

Thursday 15th January Talk by Jérome Richalot, Directeur de l’Alliance Française

Saturday 7th February - 11.30am Guided tour of the Hunterian Art Gallery, Glasgow University

Thursday 19th February Crêpes, Chandeleur, et mardi gras dans le monde

Thursday 19th March Paris en 37 ponts, avec Janine Adamson

Saturday 28th March - 11.30am Conversation autour d’un art, CCA

Thursday 16th April Jeux et proverbs

Thursday 21st May AGM

Summer outing* Outing to play pétanque at venue to be confirmed

Saturday 30th May National AGM, Aberdeen

*date to be confirmed


Please click here to download the Glasgow Branch Programme 2008-2009 as a Word document.

(You may download the content of the 2007/08 End of Season Report as a Word document by clicking here).

(You may download the East Dunbartonshire Press Release of the 2007/08 Primary Schools Competition won by St Agatha's Primary School by clicking here).

President: Christine Sreeves (01436 820350).

Honorary Secretary: Ann Anderson (01436 674432)
E-Mail scandalodge@lineone.net

Honorary Treasurer: Robert Wood

Annual Subscription: £14.00 per person, £22.00 per couple

All meetings are held in the Royal Northern Yacht Club, Rhu at 7-30 p.m. unless otherwise advised. If you are interested, please come along and join at a meeting or contact the Honorary Secretary.

President: Mrs Ginette Gervais-MacWilliam

Vice-President: Dr Isabelle Donald

Hon Secretary: Averil Mitchell
E-Mail averil.mitchell@blueyonder.co.uk

Hon Treasurer: Mrs Christine Descouts

Perth Branch Committee
Mrs Ginette Gervais-MacWilliam, President, Dr Isabelle Donald, Vice President, Ms Averil Mitchell, Hon. Secretary, Mrs. Christine Descouts, Hon. Treasurer, Mr Brian Fitzpatrick, Mr Douglas Gratton, Mrs Anne Gwynn, Mrs Françoise Pérombelon; and Dr Michel Pérombelon

Annual Subscription: £10.00 per person

60th Perth Branch Celebration - please click to view image

Meetings take place in the St John's Episcopal Church Hall, Princes Street, Perth on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m, with the exception of the Christmas Party.

Sunday 6th January 2008 "Célébration de la Fête de l'Épiphanie" (Fête des Rois) Lunch at Lovat Hotel, Glasgow Road, Perth, Spéciales Pâtisseries par Christian Merlet

Wednesday 13th February « Cannes et son Festival » Causerie en français, par Mrs Jacqueline McNeill, de Glasgow

Wednesday 12th March « Life and Times of Admiral Duncan from Dundee 1797 » Talk in English by Mr J.D. Gowdy of Aberdeen

Tuesday 29th April - Annual General Meeting (AGM) - « L’Abbé Pierre — Une Grande Personnalité Française » Causerie en français, par Mme Françoise Pérombelon

Other External Events
Thursday 28th February French meal to be held at Perth College Training Restaurant, Main Building, Crieff Road

Cinéma - Films - Thursday 10th January, Norrie Miller Studio, Perth Concert Hall La Tourneuse de Pages (The Page Turner). In French, English subtitles

Thursday 21 February Battle of Algiers, English subtitles French Film Festival - Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh 7-20 March Details nearer the time

Saturday - May 31th, 2008 – The National AGM Held by Helensburgh Branch (Details of this event will be sent to you by mail from Françoise Pérombelon, the General Secretary)

Honorary President: Alan Dunlop

Honorary Vice-Presidents: Mary Freeborn and Joy Steele

Chairman: Margaret Sutherland

Vice-Chairman: Malcolm Scott

Honorary Secretary: Bunny Slack
E-Mail elizabeth.slack@btinternet.com

Treasurer: Hazel Dott

Committee: Jim Shedden, John Dott, Jean Shanks

Meetings take place at 7.30 p.m in the St Rule Club, 12 The Links, St Andrews; refreshments are served afterwards. Members of other Branches of the Society are very welcome to attend any meeting, and are asked to let the Secretary know in advance.

2007
Friday 28 September Dr Clive Sneddon "La Bible en français au Moyen Age" 

Friday 26 October Professor Lorna Milne “Histoire et Culture des Antilles Françaises”

Friday 23 November Mrs Christine Gascoigne "Le fonds français: French books in St Andrews University Library”

2008
Friday 25 January 2008 Dr Gavin Bowd “Orphelins et origines: l'amitié franco-roumaine”

Friday February 29 Annual Dinner

Friday March 28 Mr Donald Macgregor: "Georges Brassens: une vie en chansons”

“Friday April 25 Professor Paul Gifford: “Pontecorvo, Tavernier et la mémoire de la Guerre d'Algérie”

Friday May 9 AGM