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Why Paris doesn't want a Scottish Yes | Why Paris doesn't want a Scottish Yes |
(2 days later) | |
Nothing unites different nations quite like mutual enemies. But the "Auld Alliance" between Scotland and France - both historic rivals of England - doesn't mean that the French government favours Scottish independence. Far from it. | Nothing unites different nations quite like mutual enemies. But the "Auld Alliance" between Scotland and France - both historic rivals of England - doesn't mean that the French government favours Scottish independence. Far from it. |
There is a little corner of France that will be forever Scotland, and it lies in rural obscurity somewhere between Orleans and Bourges. | There is a little corner of France that will be forever Scotland, and it lies in rural obscurity somewhere between Orleans and Bourges. |
The town of Aubigny-sur-Nere is an oddity because for 400 years it belonged to a branch of the Stuarts, the Scottish royal house. | The town of Aubigny-sur-Nere is an oddity because for 400 years it belonged to a branch of the Stuarts, the Scottish royal house. |
In 1422, seven years after Agincourt, a certain John Stuart of Darnley sailed to France at the head of a small army. | In 1422, seven years after Agincourt, a certain John Stuart of Darnley sailed to France at the head of a small army. |
He helped the French king in his fight against the English, and was rewarded with the lordship of Aubigny. The chateau remained in Scottish hands till the Revolution. | He helped the French king in his fight against the English, and was rewarded with the lordship of Aubigny. The chateau remained in Scottish hands till the Revolution. |
Today in Aubigny they recall the connection with an annual Scottish festival that takes place on 14 July, France's national day. | Today in Aubigny they recall the connection with an annual Scottish festival that takes place on 14 July, France's national day. |
Pipers come from Scotland, and play alongside enthusiastic (though rather less gifted) local amateurs. French cooks try their hands at haggis, and the whisky flows with the wine. | Pipers come from Scotland, and play alongside enthusiastic (though rather less gifted) local amateurs. French cooks try their hands at haggis, and the whisky flows with the wine. |
What they are celebrating is the Auld Alliance - the bond of friendship between France and Scotland whose origins lie in their shared historic hostility to England. | What they are celebrating is the Auld Alliance - the bond of friendship between France and Scotland whose origins lie in their shared historic hostility to England. |
The first written record of the Alliance dates to 1295, though it certainly existed in a less formal way well before that, and right up to 1830 Scottish officers formed the French royal bodyguard. | The first written record of the Alliance dates to 1295, though it certainly existed in a less formal way well before that, and right up to 1830 Scottish officers formed the French royal bodyguard. |
"It was a military alliance, which gradually became a romantic alliance," says Remi Beguin, cultural specialist at Aubigny town hall. | "It was a military alliance, which gradually became a romantic alliance," says Remi Beguin, cultural specialist at Aubigny town hall. |
"The French have always loved the Scots, and the Scots have always loved the French. We are like a couple." | "The French have always loved the Scots, and the Scots have always loved the French. We are like a couple." |
Certainly in Aubigny an affection for all things Caledonian is well in evidence. | Certainly in Aubigny an affection for all things Caledonian is well in evidence. |
It is widely believed locally, and could well be true, that many Scottish families settled in the Berry region of central France after the Hundred Years War. Certain local names - such as Turpin - are held up in evidence. | It is widely believed locally, and could well be true, that many Scottish families settled in the Berry region of central France after the Hundred Years War. Certain local names - such as Turpin - are held up in evidence. |
Rather less reliable is the story that for many years it was ordained that males in Aubigny should wear a kilt. | Rather less reliable is the story that for many years it was ordained that males in Aubigny should wear a kilt. |
Another story popularly recounted is that right up to 1903, under the terms of the Auld Alliance, it was possible for French people to claim Scottish nationality and vice-versa. Even if this provision technically existed, no-one used it. | |
As for Scottish independence, deputy mayor Francois Gresset says it has been a hotly debated topic. | As for Scottish independence, deputy mayor Francois Gresset says it has been a hotly debated topic. |
"Emotionally I would say most people in Aubigny are for it. But it is a complicated subject, and there are many factors to take into account. So we don't feel in a position to pronounce," he says. "It is up to the Scottish to decide." | "Emotionally I would say most people in Aubigny are for it. But it is a complicated subject, and there are many factors to take into account. So we don't feel in a position to pronounce," he says. "It is up to the Scottish to decide." |
His reserve on the issue is tacit acknowledgement that full-blown independence for Scotland may not tally with France's modern-day convictions and priorities. | His reserve on the issue is tacit acknowledgement that full-blown independence for Scotland may not tally with France's modern-day convictions and priorities. |
Certainly, in Paris - though no-one in government would presume to say it openly - there is no enthusiasm for Scottish independence. | Certainly, in Paris - though no-one in government would presume to say it openly - there is no enthusiasm for Scottish independence. |
One factor is the regional example. France believes in the nation state, and would look askance at regions like Corsica or Brittany getting too strong ideas about hiving themselves off. | One factor is the regional example. France believes in the nation state, and would look askance at regions like Corsica or Brittany getting too strong ideas about hiving themselves off. |
However, according to political scientist Dominique Moisi, that is not the real reason for French lack of support on independence. | However, according to political scientist Dominique Moisi, that is not the real reason for French lack of support on independence. |
"France is not Spain, where the precedent Scotland might set for Catalonia is very real. Here the regions make a lot of noise, but there is no risk of separation. | "France is not Spain, where the precedent Scotland might set for Catalonia is very real. Here the regions make a lot of noise, but there is no risk of separation. |
"No, for France the argument against Scottish independence is our dream of a strong United Kingdom, fully engaged in Europe, whose purpose is to counter-balance a Germany that gets more powerful every year. | "No, for France the argument against Scottish independence is our dream of a strong United Kingdom, fully engaged in Europe, whose purpose is to counter-balance a Germany that gets more powerful every year. |
"Anything that detracts from that strong United Kingdom - as Scottish independence would do - goes against French ambitions in Europe." | "Anything that detracts from that strong United Kingdom - as Scottish independence would do - goes against French ambitions in Europe." |
Seven hundred years ago France and Scotland had common cause, and forged a military bond to curb the power of England. Today the affection remains, but the causes have changed. | Seven hundred years ago France and Scotland had common cause, and forged a military bond to curb the power of England. Today the affection remains, but the causes have changed. |
Today the Frenchman pats his Scottish friend apologetically and says, "Sorry, mon brave. We've battled together often in the past. But this time, the fight's not ours." | Today the Frenchman pats his Scottish friend apologetically and says, "Sorry, mon brave. We've battled together often in the past. But this time, the fight's not ours." |
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