I am led to beleive that the word scart (as in scart leads for connecting audio / video devices) is and acronym, possibly French - can anyone confirm this and if so what does it stand for?
Yes, it's true. It comes from the name of the committee which came up with the original specifications for it: Syndicat des Constructeurs des Appareils Radiorecepteurs et Televiseurs.
Apparently S.C.A.R.T. stands for :
Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiore'cepteurs et Te'le'viseurs.
Which is the French radio and TV manufacturers association.