Scotland and France have a shared history dating back to the Auld Alliance, a treaty signed in 1295 between King Philip IV of France, Philip le Bel and the King of Scots, John Balliol. Over the centuries that followed we have kept the spirit of friendship and mutual support in mind. Today, we keep alive this enduring connection. It is an enduring connection, whose legacy is the raison d’être of the Institut français d’Ecosse (IFE) , the French Institute of Scotland.
Let us go back to the ideas that led to the creation of the Institute. During the Second World War the Free French House on Regent Terrace welcomed the soldiers of la France Libre who were based in London. The House began organizing conferences, plays and classical music concerts with the support of the Scottish artistic community. From this period was born the IFE , formally founded in 1946. This year celebrates 80 years of a vibrant vision, one that believes that culture and language can bring together those whom history has always united. Today , in the heart of Edinburgh, the Institute continues to embody this unique alliance between France and Scotland.
Established in the former Lothian Chambers building on West Parliament Square since 2017, the building is now also home to the Consulate General of France, as well as the offices of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
There is a real pride in having the French flag viewed from the Royal Mile, just in front of St Giles Cathedral. The IFE is driven by a clear mission to promote the French language and culture and foster cultural exchanges between France and Scotland. Each year, the institute welcomes about 1,500 students for its French courses , as well as for certifications and diplomas .
As an official venue of the Edinburgh Fringe, it has confirmed its place as a key cultural player at the heart of the festival city.
Furthermore, the Institute has partnered with the Festival of Avignon, one of the largest performing arts galas in the world, to run workshops for Scottish artists, companies and producers .
This 80th anniversary is therefore , above all, an occasion to reaffirm the importance of Franco – Scottish cooperation in an ever-changing and sometimes worrying world, where linguistic and cultural exchanges remain essential to strenghten bonds.
The Institut remains true to its founding spirit by keeping alive this “ petit coin de France” in Scotland, as a witness to, as General Charles De Gaulle described the relationship in a speech in June 1942 , the « oldest alliance in the world ».
Stéphane Pailler, Consul General and Director of the Institut français d’Écosse