Francois Hollande has '˜forgotten Auld Alliance' - ex-SNP chief

FORMER SNP leader Gordon Wilson has branded Francois Hollande a 'disgrace' and claimed the French President has forgotten the sacrifices made by Scottish soldiers to defend his country.

Former SNP leader Gordon Wilson has blasted France's president Francois Hollande. Picture: Scott Louden

Mr Wilson said the President ignored the Scotland’s “Auld Alliance” with France when he suggested Nicola Sturgeon would not be able to negotiate for EU membership separately from the UK.

Speaking after President Hollande said discussions should not be conducted by “part of the UK”, Mr Wilson said: “Has he forgotten the Auld Alliance that Scotland had with France for centuries when Scottish troops defended the Kingdom of France again and again? Such was the loss of Scottish lives in their defence  that Scots as a country were given the remarkable right to French citizenship.

“Has he also forgotten the sacrifice that Scottish soldiers made in the defence of France during the first war? Or the Saint Valery and Normandy in the second?

“On the eve of the battle of the Somme, when gratitude is in order, President Hollande is a disgrace to France. The French people have a debt of honour to Scotland. They are a great and noble nation. It is time for them to repay it or be damned as dishonourable.”

The Auld Alliance between Scotland and France was formed in the 13th century as a result of the two countries’ desire to stop English expansion.