Sacré bleu! Inverness-based 'Auld Alliance' club to host dîners at Drumossie Hotel
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Parlez-vous français? If the answer is oui, then read on!
The Inverness-based Club Francophile des Highlands has existed for many years.
Formerly the Highland branch of the Franco-Scottish Society, its purpose is to celebrate the French language, to provide French-speaking social gatherings for native French residents of the Highlands but also those who speak – or who are learning to speak – French.
For many years based at the Glen Mhor Waterside Hotel in Inverness, the Club Francophile now has a new champion in Stéphane Portès, general manager of the Drumossie Hotel - who also just happens to be French.
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Black Isle author and editor Vee Walker, who has helped to run the Club Francophile for some years now, said: "We are so delighted that Stéphane has agreed to host our four big dîners francophones this year in the gorgeous and welcoming surroundings of the grand Drumossie Hotel.
"Easy parking and access, centrally located and some wonderful Franco-Scottish fusion cuisine – who could ask for more? Our first dîner of 2024 will be on Wednesday, March 27 – do join us?"
The club is friendly and informal and a huge asset to any French residents in the Highlands who need practical information.
Newcomers are encouraged to use a WhatsApp group to say hello to others and to ask questions.
Firm friendships have also grown out of the monthly meetings.
In between the dîners francophones, which all members are encouraged to attend, there are simpler monthly activities such as walks, talks and visits to interesting places. There is no membership fee, and the dîners francophones are reasonably priced for very high-quality food.
Mr Portès said: "The Auld Alliance between France and Scotland dates back to the tragic Scots-born, French-raised Queen Mary Queen of Scots, beheaded by her cousin Elizabeth 1st of England in 1587.
"Mary spent much time hunting here in the Highlands in her happier, younger days. It is therefore excellent that we will be celebrating that ancient special connection regularly here at the Drumossie Hotel this year and we hope that other French speakers – whether native or learners – will come along to these friendly and informal evenings.’
For more information please contact Vee via the Club Francophile des Highland’s Facebook Group or by emailing vee@cannyedit.scot.
