City's French connection is still intact as Institute saved

Published on Tuesday 9 February 2010 09:07

EDINBURGH'S French Institute has been saved from closure.

The French government has dropped plans to shut the 60-year-old institution in Randolph Crescent after hundreds of people signed a petition praising its work.

A new director is expected to be appointed later this year.

News of the reprieve emerged after First Minister Alex Salmond held talks in Paris yesterday with France's minister for European affairs, Pierre Lellouche.

Mr Salmond today welcomed the "strong and historic bonds" between France and Scotland and the French government's "continuing commitment" to the French Institute.

The Institute holds regular cultural events celebrating the role of French people in Scotland, including exhibitions, book readings, cinema screenings and performing arts. It employs six full-time staff, with another one being seconded from France.

City schools visit the Institute as part of their French studies, and it offers tuition for Scottish adults.

It was also used as a Fringe venue until 2000 and had a public cafe until 2005.

But last year it came under threat as part of French president Nicolas Sarkozy's attempts to make financial savings.

Staff were warned during a visit from the French Ambassador that the Institute was facing closure.

Hundreds of people signed a petition calling for the Institute to be saved and French people living in Scotland appealed for it to continue.

Labour's former Lord Provost Lesley Hinds tabled a motion for the city council to join the campaign, but the Liberal Democrat-SNP administration blocked the move, claiming it could be counter-productive.

Mr Salmond held a series of meetings with business and political leaders in Paris yesterday.

His talks with M Lellouche covered a range of issues, including responses to the global challenges of climate change and the economic downturn, and proactive engagement within the EU.

The future of the French Institute in Edinburgh was also discussed, although it is understood the French government had already indicated it would drop the closure plans.

After the meeting, Mr Salmond said: "I was delighted to meet the minister. The 'Auld Alliance' between our two historic nations remains strong and enduring and we have a shared agenda about success in the modern Europe.

"The historic bonds between France and Scotland are demonstrated by the continuing commitment of the French government to the Institute Francaise in Edinburgh and we look forward to welcoming its new director and renewing our co-operation with the Institute. Our two nations face many of the same issues and opportunities – whether responding to the recent global economic downturn or the very serious challenge of climate change.

"In addition to our cultural and social ties, we have strong economic links to France – it is our third largest export destination and many of its leading companies are investing in Scotland."