250th Anniversary of Robert Burns

Immortal Memory


Did you know 2009 is the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of the great Scottish poet, Robert (Rabbie) Burns? To celebrate this event, there are more than 400 celebrations organized in Scotland throughout 2009. Everyone is welcome to visit! Some of Scotland´s contibutions to the world:


Golf
Whisky
Great inventors
Scientific Innovation
Cultural heritage

Although Burns lived a short life, dying at the age of 37, it was fulfilling and eventful. Starting out as a farmer then moving on to become a writer, Burns travelled throughout Scotland where he gathered inspiration for much of his work. The stunning Ayrshire scenery and the romantic setting of Dumfries helped provide the insight for compiling much of his romantic material.

Around the world tributes to the life and works of Robert Burns are held, through the ritual of the Burns Supper. Originally started a few years after his death by a group of his friends and acquaintances to honour his memory, the suppers are now celebrated annually on the date of his birth, 25th January.

No Burns Supper would be complete without The Haggis, The Drink (normally Whisky), The Songs, The Recitals, The Dance and of course the most important ingredient of all, The Fun. If Burns were alive today he too would surely have enjoyed the celebrations!

2009 marks the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth and is the inspiration behind the year of Homecoming. Come home to the home of Burns in 2009 and celebrate his life and work at one of the many Burns-related events during the year. View the video below for a taster of what it's like to be at a Burns Supper.


If you want to know more about Burns´ life and work - and hear him speak and recite his own poetry, go to this great interactive site which the Scottish government has set up: http://www.scotland.org/burns-night/interactive/