"Salon President Gerard Vandenbrouke (right) joins the gang on stage."

In 2002, the Scottish Cartoon Art Studio collaborated with some of the top names in newspaper cartooning and comics to produce an entirely new and original exhibition comparing and contrasting French and Scottish history, literature, art, food, popular culture and politics.

"Frank Quitely amazes the crowds with his unique rendition of the Highland Fling."

"The Studio greet the people of St. Just as Frank Quietly looks on."

The exhibition went on to take pride of place at the 21st Salon International du Dessin de Presse d'Humour et de al Caricature in St.Just-le-Martel, France. Attending the event for the opening weekend were the entire Studio team as well as guests including Bank of Scotland Cartoonist of the Year Winner Steve Camley and illustrator of such block-busting comics as Judge Dredd, Batman:Scottish Connection, and New X-Men, Frank Quitely. Kilted up, and with bagpiper extraordinaire Graham Richardson in tow, the Studio team were the talk of the Salon, especially after performing a unique Braveheart-style salute to the assembled guests on the opening night. Women wept, grown men fainted, but no-one in St. Just was left puzzling over whether or not our lads were "true Scotsmen".

"Terry does his best Bob Ross impression."

"Our exhibition proved to be highly popular with the Salon's 20,000 visitors."

The exhibition also landed one of the Salon's coveted "Crayons Porcelaine", prizes given in several categories over the course of the weekend. The "Prix de Anti-Mal Boef", given to the best cartoon on a gastronomic theme, was awarded to Steve Camley of The Herald who contributed two cartoons to The Auld Alliance that made light of the Scots' fondness for deep-fried delicacies.

Another highlight was the naming of a village street for the late cartoonist and humanitarian Louis Mitelberg, known as "Tim". As Graham gave a rendition of "Amazing Grace", the new street sign was unveiled. Moved to tears, Tim's widow Zuka revealed that our presence was doubly poignant as her husband had sought refuge in Scotland after fleeing Nazi-occupied Poland in the Forties.

"Bagpiper extraordinaire Graham Richardson was the toast of the Salon."

In the words of Salon organiser Bernadette Daniel: "The exhibition prepared for the 2002 Salon by the SCA Studio has been greatly appreciated by all who saw it. The Auld Alliance was a good historical caricature of the Scottish/French relationship from long ago till just last year, when our two organisations met. Visitors liked the talent of the artists not only for their style of drawing but also for their performance on stage, on the football pitch and in the hall. Their traditional costumes have been admired by all, and piqued the curiosity of many. The bagpiper was the most lively asset one could have hoped for, closing any official speech, leading processions, even inviting visitors to play. We would like to thank you all for making the weekend so memorable."

"Caricatures of the highest quality were on show throughout "The Auld Alliance."

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