Auld Alliance – New Friends.
Join Fiona and Marlene as they celebrate Europe Day (9th May) by exploring the centuries-old cultural bond between Scotland and France!
In this heartwarming episode, they chat with guest Jane MacKinnon, a Scot now based in France, about the vibrant Celtic festivals keeping the Auld Alliance alive. From the legendary Festival de Lorient to the Joan of Arc Festival in Orléans, Jane takes us on a journey through French celebrations of Scottish culture—and shares exclusive clips from participants at the Festival Ecossais 1782. Along the way we get another tantalising glimpse into our own history as an ancient European nation and the welcome that awaits us when we regain our place in Europe.
Whether you’re interested in Auld Alliance history, cultural connections, or just want to feel inspired, this episode is a celebration of friendship, heritage, and the bonds that transcend borders. Perfect for: History lovers, Francophiles, Scots abroad, and anyone curious about European cultural traditions. Browse our Scottish History playlist.
Key themes:
- 01:19 Festival Interceltique de Lorient
- 06:01 Festival Aubigny sur Nere
- 12:50 Joan of Arc Festivals
- 20:30 Festival Ecossais 1782
- 24:51 Benedicte Fare
- 26:32 Jean Luc Perrin, now Mayor of Saint-Andiol
- 29:19 Gary and Alice Monot, Clan MacMillan
- 31:50 Robert Amyot MacKinnon, Clan MacKinnon
- 34:29 Basque ladies
- 38:48 Festival volunteers
- 39:43 Patrick Million, Clan MacMillan
- 47:20 Europe for Scotland
- 49:28 Enoch Grimaud Scott, Clan Scott
- 51:15 Marie Nadege Barthazon
More about Scottish-themed festivals & the Auld Alliance:
- Find out more about the Festival 1782.
- The Bressuire Highland Games Between Nantes and Poitiers
- Les Fêtes Franco-Ecossaises Aubigny-sur-Nère
- Lorient Interceltic Festival
- Find out more about Europe for Scotland and about its French team.
Some Franco-Scottish Communities in France:
- Auld Alliance – le lien Franco-Ecossais
- Brittany-Scotland Association
- The Caledonian Society of France (founded in 1822)
- Club Kilt du Pays de Lorient
- Fédération des Pipe Bands Francophones
- Highland Games – France
- The Franco-Scottish Society (founded in 1895)
- The French Society for Scottish Studies
- The Scots Kirk Paris (established in 1858)
- The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in Paris
Some clans and Facebook groups:
- The Auld Alliance – Le groupe francophone des passionnés d’Ecosse (2.3K members)
- Clan Lamont France
- Clan MacMillan Society of France
- Enoch Grimaud Scott, Clan Scott France
- Les Clanmen & Clanwomen du Clan Hay Luxembourg & France (2.3K members)
- Clan MacKenzie en France
- Robert Amyot MacKinnon, Clan Convenor for France & Europe (4.8K friends)
- Soar Alba – French Association of Scottish Historical Re-enactment (9.7K members)
#FestivalDeLorient #PodcastClips #CulturalHeritage #EuropeanTradition #Scotland #France #Podcast #HistoryPodcast #CulturalConnection #PodcastCommunity #NewEpisode #ListenNow
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