Alliance française/Université de Glasgow
Contes & Légendes : When Francophone writers write about Scotland
19 Mar 2025, 4:00pm - 6:00pm GMT UK
Scotland, as you might know, is a land steeped in history, myths and legends. Its captivating landscapes, from rugged highlands to mystical lochs, have long inspired francophone writers.
During this conference (in French with questions in English), you'll have the chance to rediscover —or discover for the first time— four remarkable authors whose works are deeply intertwined with the spirit of Scotland. They reveal, through their writings, unique perspectives on a country of enchanting mystery and enduring allure.
This conference will be lead by Olivier Salazar, Billy Grove and Emma Laborie.
Olivier Salazar-Ferrer : Olivier Salazar-Ferrer is a writer, essayist and poet ; the author of short stories, novels and theatrical adaptations. He has been a lecturer in French literature at the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom since 2007 and he is also Director of programmes in French.
Laurence Grove : Also known as Billy Grove, he is the Director of the Stirling Maxwell Centre for the Study of Text/Image Cultures, overseeing unparalleled collections from the Glasgow University Library and the Hunterian Museum. He is also President of the International Bande Dessinée Society, Vice-President of Les Amis de Tristan L’Hermite, general editor of Glasgow Emblem Studies and co-editor of European Comic Art.
Emma Laborie : Emma is originally from France. She has come to Scotland to focus on her own writing, but also to share her love for storytelling through workshops that she's leading at the Alliance Française de Glasgow. She has a background in literature and creative writing, and with it she aims to create a space where participants can freely explore their creativity, experiment with ideas, and most importantly, enjoy the process of writing in French.
Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Scotland as seen through the eyes of these talented francophone writers. Discover a side of Scotland that goes beyond the familiar, where literature and legend come alive.
About the writers:
Jules Verne: A visionary French writer fascinated by Scotland, Jules Verne journeyed to this mystical land and immortalised its legends in works such as Le Rayon Vert, Les Enfants du Capitaine Grant, and Indes Noires. Notably, he was also part of the founding group of the Alliance Française, adding an extra layer of historical connection to his literary explorations.
Hergé: The renowned Belgian creator of Tintin, Hergé, offers us Tintin and the Black Isle, "a pure detective story" noted for its intricate construction. The narrative skillfully contrasts modern elements —like counterfeiters, airplanes, and television— with the age-old mysteries of superstition and historic castles, capturing the essence of Scotland in "an adventure filled with twists and turns". (quotations by Benoît Peeters, Hergé biographer)
Emma Laborie: A rising French voice in literature. With her soul intertwined with Scotland, Emma Laborie made her debut with a book based on Celtic mythology. In Dame Mort, she dives deep into the realms of magic, fantasy and legend, weaving a tapestry of mythic creatures, goddesses, and iconic figures —all portrayed through a feminist lens. @itsem.aut
Fanie Demeule: Hailing from Quebec, Fanie Demeule’s Highlands tells the story of three women on their journey to Scotland, drawing from her own transformative experiences. Merging elements of Scottish folklore, fantasy and horror, her storytelling vividly captures the cultural and mystical essence of this extraordinary land. @fanie.demeule