Surprising celebrations for Robert Burns
Thursday 1, January 1970
25 January marks the birthday of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns, and in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 there will be celebrations countrywide forming the culmination of Scotland’s Winter Festivals (including St Andrews Day and Hogmanay).
Many of Burns’ songs and poetry were inspired by the natural beauty of Scotland, particularly the breathtaking scenery of Ayrshire, his birthplace, and the romantic setting of Dumfries & Galloway where he lived in later life. His love of nature likely stems from his working life on the family farm in Alloway, Ayr, where we wrote poems such as ‘To a Mouse’, ‘The Primrose’ and ‘A Winter Night’.
Burns Night is a great time of year for food and culture with Scotland’s national poet toasted and celebrated in a surprising number of ways. Traditional Burns suppers with haggis, neeps and tatties and plenty of whisky and music are on offer across Scotland, and music and storytelling promise merry-making for all ages.
The array of Robert Burns is the perfect excuse for a trip to Scotland this January. Highlights throughout the country include:
18- 26 January
Scottish Storytelling Centre- Burnsfest 2013
EdinburghIn association with Scotland's Winter Festivals, the centre has a packed programme of Robert Burns related events, including storytelling, music, songs and haggis. Events include traditional Burns Suppers, café Ceilidhs, and music nights. Prices: range from free of charge to £20
18 January - 05 May 2013
Ca’ The Yowes - Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
AyrshireThis exhibition of contemporary sculpture, drawings, tapestry, film, painting, printing, calligraphy and crochet takes inspiration from Burns’ “Ca’ the Yowes” and of course features sheep in all shapes and sizes, though not necessarily as you will have seen them before. Price: Free
25 January 2013
The Famous Grouse Experience - Burns Distillery Tours Perthshire
The special Burns tour will include a tour of the distillery, a dram, a serving of haggis, neeps and tatties and a Burns recital. Price: £15
25 January 2013
The Bonham Hotel- Sin in the City Burns Dinner
EdinburghIn collaboration with Mercat Tours, the Sin in the City is an alternative Burns Dinner combining a fine supper and dram of whisky with tales of love, lust and passions which will surprise, shock and entertain. This proves to be an interesting night hearing about the other side of Edinburgh’s noble character. Tickets £49 per person including 4 course haggis dinner and Mercat Tours story telling performance
25- 27 January 2013
Dumfries - Big Burns Supper
Dumfries and GallowayBig Burns Supper is Dumfries' newest festival of contemporary arts providing an annual platform for quality production and artistic ambition. The programme consists of a poetry slam, 10 minute Burns Suppers, a spiegeltent providing a creative hub for the festival with live performances from acts such as Deacon Blue and Eddi Reader across venues throughout Dumfries. Prices vary
26- 27 January 2013
National Museums Scotland - Burns Unbound
Edinburgh and South Lanarkshire
Release your inner bard at the National Museum of Scotland and the National Museum of Rural Life over the weekend of 26 and 27 January. Join celebrity hosts to celebrate the life and work of Scotland’s National Bard by attempting to beat the world record for a mass recital of Burns. Explore the museum collections and look out for activities, performances and workshops for all the family taking place around the museum galleries at both sites. Standard admission applies at National Museum of Rural life. £6.50 per adult, £3 per child, £17 per family ticket (2 adults, 2 children). Free entry at the National Museum of Scotland.
27 January 2013
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum - Alloway 1759 Ayrshire
Alloway 1759 takes place in and around Burns Cottage and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum where the streets will be lined with costumed characters and performers to create a unique atmosphere. Enjoy a wide variety of events including horse and cart trips, haggis hurling, The Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra, Burns Childrens' Party, Hoots Owls, and Willie Stewart singing songs of Burns.Standard admission applies. £8 per adult, £6 per child, £20 per family (2 adults, 2 children).
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