This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Auld alliance - new friendship
22/01/2004
The bonds between France and Scotland are as strong as ever, First Minister Jack McConnell said today at the launch of the Scottish programme for the 100th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale between France and the United Kingdom.
It is the biggest single government programme to promote Scotland overseas since devolution.
The FM was joined at the launch, held in the headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh by Sir John Holmes, the British Ambassador to France and Michel Roche, the French Consul General in Scotland.
Mr McConnell said:
"There has been a strong bond of friendship between Scotland and France for the last 700 years, and the Entente Cordiale centenary celebrations are an excellent opportunity to strengthen that relationship.
"We have much to gain from forging a new alliance for the 21st century. France is one of Scotland's most important business partners, reflecting the long standing relationship between the two countries. France is our second biggest export market and French imports are important to Scotland too.
"The number of French tourists that visit Scotland has increased significantly in the last few years. And while we will welcome more French visitors to Scotland, I hope that Scots will increasingly look to France to visit and do business in."
"And our cultural links are as strong now as they were when Sir Walter Scott's novels were the toast of Paris and French philosophers, such as Voltaire, turned to Scotland's Enlightenment for inspiration."
Mr McConnell went on to say that Scotland was also keen to share its recent experience of devolution with France.
He said: "Next month, the French National Assembly will give the French regions more say over their affairs. There has already been considerable interest in our experience, and over the coming months I want to develop that dialogue."
The Scottish programme, which will complement the UK/French programme
includes:
trade fairs organised by Scottish Development International
tourism fairs and events organised by Visit Scotland;
Scottish/French cancer research conference in Edinburgh;
an exhibition of Scottish Colourists in Paris;
a season of Scottish architecture in Paris;
a Charles Rennie Mackintosh exhibition and literature programmes planned
for Languedoc-Rousillon;
a series of events to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Scottish Committee of the Franco British Lawyers Society.
The First Minister will also launch the full programme in Paris next month, when he will host a reception for French business, political, media and cultural leaders.
The Entente Cordiale Treaty, which was signed in London on April 8, 1904, marked the end of colonial disputes between France and Great Britain. It now symbolises the friendship and co-operation that exists between the two countries.
Sir John Holmes KBE CMG CVO will give the Scottish Executive Edinburgh lecture on Thursday January 22, 2004 at 7pm in the Queen Mother Conference Centre, Royal College of Physicians, 9 Queen Street, Edinburgh. He will discuss links between France, Britain and Scotland and consider how the expansion of the EU will reunite Europe, ensuring it remains peaceful and prosperous.
France is Scotland's major European major partner. The annual value of exports to France is £2.5 billion, and it is the largest market for Scottish food and drink, accounting for over £85 million of sales annually across a wide range of products from smoked salmon to cheese and preserves. It remains the third largest market for whisky, at an annual value of around £230 million, despite keen competition from wine and other spirits.
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) started its operations in France in late 1998. Since then it has established a leading position in acquisition finance through deals such as the buy out of Le Figaro and the Euro 865m management buy out of Lafarge Speciality materials. In 2001 RBS expanded its French operations to offer a broader range of debt and risk management services, targeting French corporate and financial institutions.
The number of French tourists visiting Scotland has increased significantly in recent years. In 2002, 124,000 French visitors spent £34 million in Scotland, double the expenditure in the previous year.
There are now 11 direct, daily flights from Paris to Scottish airports.