Ray Milne


Ray Milne was a Scottish linguist and cinephile. She worked for MI5 during World War II and later helped to rejuvenate of the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Early life and education

Milne attended Broxburn High School and studied French at the University of Edinburgh. She began studying at the University of Marburg in 1936 before starting teaching training at Moray House in 1938.

Working life

During WWII, Milne, who was fluent in German and a learner of Russian, was a translator for MI5.
For four decades, Milne taught French and German at Norton Park Secondary School, Portobello High School and George Heriot's School.

Involvement in film

Milne was actively involved in the Edinburgh Film Guild, which created the Edinburgh International Film Festival. She was the Honorary Secretary of the Federation of Scottish Film Societies. Milne was involved in the Centre for the Moving Image and the Edinburgh Film Festival Council.
Because of Milne's experience as a Russian translator, she became a key figure in the Scottish branch of the GB-USSR Association. She often hosted foreign film-makers.
Her favourite film was Mädchen in Uniform, which she gave a live translation of when it was first shown at the Edinburgh Film Festival.

Personal life

Milne married Harry Milne, a classics teacher, on 25 December 1940. The couple had two daughters and a son.