THE FRANCO SCOTTISH SOCIETY
ESTABLISHMENT
The Franco- Scottish Society was founded in Edinburgh in 1895 and has its general object to renewing the bonds of sympathy and intercourse between the two countries. Periodical meetings are held alternately in France and Scotland in the character of fruitful international conferences.
The inaugural meeting occurred in the Grand Amphitheatre of Sorbonne in April 1896.
HONORARY SECRETARY (1896-1906)
1897
In the summer, the French branch of the Franco-Scottish Society planned a visit to Edinburgh. The Marquess of Lothian and Lord Reay decided to use Banqueting Hall at Aldershot Castle for the banquet, making it a historic event, as Banqueting Hall was last used for the coronation of Charles I in 1625. All arrangements and invitations for the Scottish nobles in honour of the French guests were made by the Hon. Secretary, who presented a silver and glass table piece from all the French guests.
In 1897 the Franco-Scottish Society published a series of drawings depicting Major Gordon.
On
1899
On 25 February, the article The Franco-Scottish Society was published in Scottish Life. The Marquess of Lothian is mentioned as president, with Lord Reay being Vice President and Mr. A. A. Gordon as Hon. Sec.
Major Gordon is mentioned in the second paragraph as "the ever-energetic hon. secretary, Mr A. A. upon whom, in August last, was bestowed (a very auspicious augury for future success) by the late President of the French Republic the high honour of Chevalier de l'Ordre Nationale de la Légion d'Honnneur."
On
1901
On 1 February 1901, the Times reported the correspondence between Lord Kelvin (president of the Franco- Scottish Society) and Mr Casimir-Perier, ex-President of the French Republic and president of the French branch, about the latter's sympathy given on the death of Queen Victoria. Paul Melon, Secretary-general of the French branch, despatched to Mr A. A. Gordon the sympathy given. Lord Kelvin called the branch council together and dispatched a suitable reply on the 28th of January.
1903
On 21 December 1903, Major Gordon was presented with an antique Dutch silver cup called a "Jack in the Cellar". The gift was presented by his fellow members for his arrangements during their last visit to France.
Wondering how the cup looks in real life? Click Here
1906
On October 30, 1906, the Scotsman published the article: the secretary of the Franco-Scottish Society. The article announces Archibald’s resignation from the society and the speeches given by Lord Provost, Sir Robert Cranston and honorary treasury I.W.D. Kirkland, who was Archibald’s successor.
The Franco-Scottish Society still exists today and aims to foster connections between the French and the Scots and to develop their traditional friendship enshrined – since at least 1295 – in the Auld Alliance
The Franco-Scottish Society at Stirling Castle.
Major Gordon can be seen behind the fourth seated woman from the left.
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