She has been dubbed Scotland's "Other Mary", as her existence is often reduced to a footnote in the life story of her daughter, Mary Queen of Scots, but Mary of Guise is a fascinating character in her own right.

Certainly, the residents of the town of Joinville, in north east France, certainly think so as they prepare to hold a three day festival next month to mark 500 years since her birth.

Joinville was the seat of Mary of Guise's parents - her father was Lord of Joinville. Born in 1515, she spent her early childhood at her parents' house before being sent to a convent in Lorraine.

She became Queen Consort of Scotland when she married King James V of Scotland in 1538 and her daughter Mary Stuart, became Queen of Scots when she was just six days old upon her father's death.

Mary senior stayed in Scotland to defend the interests of her daughter. As queen dowager - and eventually regent - she showed herself to be a shrewd politician and a capable leader.

Meanwhile young Mary was sent to France as a child to escape the wrangling between the English and Scottish and spent 13 years at the French court.

Aged 16, Mary Stuart married the dauphin of France, who became King Francis II and so was briefly Queen Consort of France until the king's death the following year.

Today the French birthplace of Mary of Guise, which is located in the Champagne-Ardeene region and has a population of less than 5,000, still cherishes its links with the two Scottish queens.

Celebrating the close links forged between France and Scotland by both Mary of Guise and Mary Stuart is the 'raison d'être' of the festival, according to organisers.

The girl-queen particularly enjoyed visiting her maternal grandmother at Joinville and in 1551, her mother joined her on a trip there, and this visit will be envoked as part of the celebrations.

The 500th Anniversary of Mary of Guise, which takes place in the town from July 3 to 5, will include a procession, a craft market, a halberdier sword demonstration, a celebratory feast in the château, a Renaissance concert and a firework display.

François Griot, head of the tourist office of Joinville said: "The celebration of a French princess of Joinville becoming Queen of Scotland and a French-Scottish alliance is echoed in current affairs today with the growing popularity of the SNP.

"The Marie de Guise festival, which will feature costumed and historical re-enactments, will be a major asset for tourism in the Joinville area."

Celebrations to mark the 500th anniversary in Scotland kicked off at Stirling Castle last month with the opening of an exhibition, The Other Mary, which will run until November 30.

Lorna Ewan, head of visitor experience for Historic Scotland, said: "Mary of Guise is a fascinating figure from Scotland's history - a powerful woman in a man's world, a Frenchwoman ruling Scotland, and a Catholic in an increasingly Protestant kingdom.

"This new exhibition is a great introduction to her life and times both at Stirling Castle and outside its walls, and is just one of many exciting events Historic Scotland will be running this year to commemorate the 500th anniversary of her birth."

During the summer there will also be an opportunity to follow Mary's story at other sites with a costumed performer telling tales of Mary's visits to Castle Campbell, Huntly Castle, Linlithgow Palace and others.