SCOTLAND’S First Minister is wishing everyone a “fantastic Burns Night” as people around the world celebrate the country’s national bard.
Burns suppers will be held across the globe on January 25 as enthusiasts mark the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns in Ayrshire in 1759. Other events in Scotland include the Big Burns Supper in Dumfries, an 11-day festival of music, theatre and comedy and the Big Burns Stramash in Inverness on January 25 and 27.
In Edinburgh the new Burns Unbroke multi-arts festival at Summerhall will run for six weeks featuring work inspired by Robert Burns.
READ MORE: Newly identified letters reveal how Burns was viewed by others
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We’re very proud in Scotland that Burns Night is celebrated every year in towns and cities right around the world – from New Zealand to Norway and from Mexico to Malawi.”
She added: “I always think it’s remarkable and admirable that Scotland’s most celebrated national figure isn’t a politician, a soldier, or a king or queen, but is instead a writer – someone whose songs and poems have enriched millions of people’s lives. I think that says something about the continuing importance of culture in our lives. And of course it also highlights the enduring value of Burns’s work – the way his sympathy, humour and passion still speak profoundly to us today.
“For those qualities, and many more, Burns will be remembered and celebrated, ‘till a the seas gang dry’.
“So wherever you are, in Scotland or around the world, I hope you have a fantastic Burns Night. And I hope you’ll join me in taking time to toast the immortal memory of the great Rabbie Burns.”
Also in Edinburgh letters from Burns’s boss, together with a rare document in the poet’s own handwriting, have gone on show at General Register House as part of a free exhibition titled Robert Burns: Radical Exciseman – which runs from until February 23.
Scotland’s International Development Minister Dr Alasdair Allan said: “As one of Scotland’s national heroes, Burns is also one of our most treasured cultural exports.
“The events and activities on and around Burns Night are a boost to our economy, with Scots and Scots-at-heart coming together to celebrate a shared love for our national bard.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here