AT the onset of the annual Robert Burns season and with ex-makar Liz Lochhead having made a comparison between a Burns letter and the behaviour of Harvey Weinstein in Hollywood, it is worth pointing out that Burns never proclaimed himself a saint.

But to contend that he lacked respect for women would run counter to the general sentiment of his writing. Likewise another instance in his life that attracts censure is his intention to emigrate to Jamaica, where he might have been a slave plantation overseer. Again, given the general sentiment of his writing, this seems a most unlikely eventuality.

There is more than enough moral authority in the writings of Robert Burns to realise why the Burns season is spread across the world.

He would have been the first to admit he wasn’t perfect but there are millions of people who will honour his memory over the coming weeks while being mindful of his and their common humanity.

Ian Johnstone
Peterhead