Scottish Cultural Centre

06/07/2024

See you at ScotFestBC / BC Highland Games, Town Centre Park in Coquitlam June 14 & 15!!
https://scotfestbc.com/weekend-schedule-2024/
https://scotfestbc.com/tickets/

Tickets Everyone must have a ticket to enter ScotFestBC on Saturday June 15, 2024 Online Ticket Sales Come see Juno award winner Ashley MacIsaac, live, Saturday night June 15. Friday Night 2024 2024 ScotFestBC opens with a bang. Our 5th Annual Celtic Kick Off Ceilidh in the Big Tent is Friday, June....

04/05/2024

HAPPY TARTAN DAY!! April 6, 2024

About 15.1% or 4.7 million Canadians claim Scottish descent.

Tartan Day (French: Journée du Tartan) in Canada, first held in Nova Scotia in 1987, originated with a proposal by Bill Crowell and Jean MacKeracher-Watson at a meeting of the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia on March 9, 1986.[2]

MacKeracher-Watson, president of the Clan Lamont Society of Canada, petitioned provincial legislatures to recognize April 6 as Tartan Day. The first such proclamation was by Nova Scotia in April 1987. On December 19, 1991, in response to action initiated by the Clans & Scottish Societies of Canada, the Ontario Legislature passed a resolution proclaiming 6 April as Tartan Day, following the example of some other Canadian provinces. Tartan Day has since been proclaimed by all the provincial legislatures. In 2007, Peter Stoffer introduced a private member's bill for "An Act respecting a Tartan Day". Progress of the bill was interrupted by the 2008 election; resubmitted after the election, it was unsuccessful.

Canada declared National Tartan Day in October 2010, the first official national event being held in 2011. In the national capital, Ottawa, Ontario, an annual Gathering of the Clans takes place each year, usually on April 6 or the Sunday nearest to it, on Parliament Hill at noon with pipes, drums, and dancing hosted by the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band, Canada's oldest civilian pipe band. The 2023 celebrations were on April 23, and were the 15th year that the pipe band has hosted the event. Canada's official tartan is the Maple Leaf tartan, designed in 1964 became an official national symbol in March 2011 ahead of Tartan Day.

In 2015, Minister of Canadian Heritage Shelly Glover issued a statement in support of National Tartan Day and the Maple Leaf tartan, and tied the event to celebration that year of the 200th anniversary of the birth of the first prime minister of Canada, Sir John A. Macdonald (born in Scotland), and the 50th anniversary of the current flag of Canada, among other events. Glover wrote of "the contributions of the Scots and their descendants to the social fabric of our country" and "the historical links between Scotland and Canada".

01/25/2024

Happy Robert Burns Day! January 25th

Here's a wee rundown on how to celebrate Burns Day

The national poet of Scotland is Robert Burns (1759-1796). He was a poet and lyricist who wrote in both Scotch Gaelic and English. A Scottish cultural icon, his poems are a bedrock of Scotland’s national identity. Among his many compositions are "A Red, Red Rose", "Tam O’ Shanter" and, of course, "Address to a Haggis".

The tradition of the Robbie Burns Dinner began five years after his death when a group of his devoted friends hosted a dinner to celebrate his life and work. The tradition caught on and was usually held on or around his birthday, January 25th. That date, often referred to as Robert Burns Day, has become Scotland’s unofficial National Day. In fact, it’s more widely celebrated in Scotland than the official national observance of St. Andrew’s Day.

At the heart of the celebration is the Burns Supper or Burns Night—a traditional Scottish dinner typically accompanied by numerous speeches, recitations of Burns poetry and, of course, numerous toasts accompanied by drams of Scotland’s golden elixir.

The traditional Burns Supper begins with a soup course. This is usually a classic Scottish soup like Scotch broth, potato soup, Cullen skink (a thick Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions) or cock-a-leekie (a soup dish consisting of leeks and peppered chicken stock).

The highlight of the dinner is the serving of the haggis—a traditional Scottish pudding comprised of the heart, liver and lungs of a sheep diced with onions, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt, which has been cooked in a sheep’s stomach.

Traditionally, the dinner party stands when the haggis is brought in by the cook. A bagpiper then pipes in the haggis while the cook presents it to the host. A distinguished guest or the host then recites the Burns poem "Address to a Haggis". When the recital has finished, a whisky toast is proposed, the first of many that will grace the evening.

Following coffee, the guests raise toasts to the memory of Robert Burns, punctuated by recitals of his poems. Traditionally the evening ends when a male guest gives an “Address to the Lassies,” ostensibly this was to thank and toast the women present for preparing the meal but was often used as an opportunity for the speaker to give his humorous but respectful views on women.

That toast was followed by a “Toast to the Laddies,” an opportunity for a female guest to give her views on men and to respond to any of the specific points raised by the previous speaker. The evening would end with additional recitations of Burns’ poems and songs culminating in a group singing of Auld Lange Syne.

Then it's on to the whiskies! What whiskies should you drink on Burns Night? Any Scotch whisky will do, although if you want to be historically accurate then look to single malt, cask strength offerings, ideally ones that were Sherry cask matured and that included some peated malt in their mash bills.

http://tinyurl.com/3x69dedx

11/30/2023

Happy Saint Andrew's Day!

Andrew lived in the first Century and was a fisherman before he became one of Jesus’ disciples. He became renowned for his Christian preaching. He too, like Jesus, was crucified, and this is represented by the cross on his flag. The town of St Andrews in Scotland, legend has it, is where the relics of St Andrew were brought by divine guidance from Constantinople. A Greek monk had a vision in which he was told to take the relics to the ends of the earth for safekeeping. His journey took him to the shores of Fife, where St Andrews now stands.

He became Patron Saint of Scotland in the middle of the 10th Century when Oengus II, King of the Picts led an army of Picts and Scots against the English near Athelstaneford in East Lothian. Oengus declared that if he won the battle then he would appoint Saint Andrew as Patron Saint of Scotland. The story goes that on the morning of the battle, the clouds are said to have formed a white cross across the blue sky and against all odds the battle was won and the design of the Saltire flag was born.

As a dedicated follower of Jesus, Andrew preached about Christ around the Black Sea and through Greece. It was in Greece that he was told to stop spreading the teachings by the governor Aegeas as he still believed in the Roman gods. When he refused, Andrew was sentenced to death by crucifixion in the city of Patras. Believing himself to be unworthy of the same fate as Jesus, Andrew requested an x-shaped cross. This is represented by the saltires which feature prominently on flags, such as Scotland’s, that acknowledge St Andrew.

St Andrew was pivotal in shaping Scottish society, and the societies of many other countries across the globe. He was known for his generosity and kindness, which is believed to be reflected in the warm and generous nature of Scotland and its people in the current day, which is why he celebrated and remembered so fondly.

St Andrews Day is celebrated on the 30th November every year and in Scotland since 2007 the Scottish parliament granted Scotland a bank holiday to celebrate. However, the first Saint Andrew's Day celebrations actually didn't take place in Scotland, but instead took place in the United States after a group of wealthy Scottish immigrants living in Charleston, South Carolina, decided to get together and celebrate their Scottish root and promote Saint Andrew’s philanthropic ideals, becoming famous in the area for their protection of widows and orphans, and so the St. Andrew's Society of Charleston was established in 1729 (the first St. Andrew's Society in North America). Similar Scottish societies were soon established across the United States and still remain today.
St Andrews Tartan

Scotland soon took inspiration from their American counterparts and began celebrating their Saint with ceilidh dancing and eating Scottish foods. There are many events held throughout Scotland. In East Lothian, the Saltire Festival, celebrates the saint and includes historical events, music, food and drink. While in Glasgow a torchlight procession is held with all funds raised going to charity to commemorate the generosity of the patron saint. The Oban Winter festival is held in the North of Scotland and includes whisky tastings, comedy ceilidh dancing, ice rinks and a Reindeer Parade.

It is not only Scotland and America who celebrate, held in Romania, Russia, Germany, Austria and Poland, all with people paying homage to their Scottish heritage or simply honouring the great saint. With our new base in Albany, NY we were delighted to make the acquaintance of Willard Bruce, Librarian and Historian of the St Andrew's Society of the City of Albany and you can read all about the history of their society dating back to 1803 in a separate blog.
What do you eat and drink on St Andrews Day?

Although there is no specific traditional St Andrews Day food, many will enjoy rich cultural feasts, where some of Scotland’s most classic fare is being prepared and shared. Some tasty Scottish foods that you could add to your St Andrews Day menu are Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, Cullen Skink, Arbroath Smokies, Salmon, Scotch Broth or Cock-a-leekie soup followed by a classic Cranachan.

Scotland is synonymous with whisky, which makes the perfect pairing for so many of the comforting dishes enjoyed on St Andrew’s Day.

11/22/2023

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11/01/2023

Today in 1695, Scotland made a serious bid to enter the lucrative English sea-trading market. The Company of Scotland Trading to Africa and the Indies issued a subscription list to stockholders in London. Later known as The Darien Company, £300,000 sterling was quickly raised, but London merchants saw it as a threat to their own East India Company. They put pressure on the King, and the English subscriptions were withdrawn at the behest of their government. Within a year, thanks mainly to the enthusiasm of a misguided company director, Scottish subscriptions brought the capital back up to £400,000 sterling, a considerable proportion of Scotland's entire wealth.

This was the beginning of the ill-fated Darien affair: all the capital was spent, as ships and many lives were lost in a series of disastrous expeditions to a malaria-infested colony on the Panama coast.

Noteworthy events from this day in Scottish History

06/30/2023

Our story producer Caroline Chan is looking for a tartan at the Scottish Cultural Centre.

06/16/2023

Looking forward to a fantastic 3-Day weekend of fun and inspirational activities at ScotFestBC Highland Games and World Music Festival! Get your tickets Now!

Fri + Sat Entertainment Schedule Sunday Entertainment Schedule Buy Tickets VolunteerVendors 48135330103_0c0be706d1_oGit-Hayetsk-DancersBCHG2017-309-3000sharon-shannonjpg-3000JJR_0625_3000RABBCHG2017-309-3000 BC Highland Games World Music Festival ScotFestBC British Columbia Highland Games and World....

04/06/2023

April 6th is Tartan Day

04/06/2023

Professor Kevin James will be presenting "Victorian Travelers in Scotland" online on Saturday, April 8, at 11 a.m. (EDT), 10 a.m. (CST) at the Scottish American History Forum organized by Chicago Scots.

To attend, use the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87358564144

or email [email protected]

Professor Kevin James, PhD is Scottish Studies Foundation Chair, and Professor of History, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

www.scottishstudies.com

THE SCOTTISH STUDIES FOUNDATION is a registered charitable organization dedicated to advancing the study of Scottish history and culture, including its many Canadian dimensions. In 2004 we endowed the landmark Scottish Studies Foundation Chair of Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph — the ...

04/04/2023

The Declaration of Arbroath will be
displayed at the National Museum
of Scotland this summer for the
first time in 18 years. The display
has been organised in partnership
between National Museums Scotland and
National Records of Scotland, who are
custodians of the document. The famous
document will be on show from 3 June to 2
July 2023. The document has not been on
public display for 18 years, when it was last
displayed at the Scottish Parliament. The iconic
and fragile 700-year-old document,
which is cared for and preserved for
future generations by National Records
of Scotland, can only be displayed

occasionally in order to ensure its long-
term preservation. The Declaration was
initially due to be displayed in April 2020
to coincide with its 700th anniversary,
but this had to be postponed due to the
pandemic. The new summer date has been
chosen to give as many people as possible
the rare chance to see one of Scotland’s
most important historical documents.
The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter
dated 6 April 1320, written by the barons
and freeholders of Scotland, on behalf of
the Kingdom of Scotland, to Pope John
XXII asking him to recognise Scotland’s
independence and acknowledge Robert
the Bruce as the country’s lawful king.

The letter also asks the Pontiff to persuade
King Edward II of England to end
hostilities against the Scots, so that their
energy may be better used to secure the
frontiers of Christendom. The Declaration
was probably drafted at a meeting of the
King and his council at Newbattle, then
written up in the scriptorium of Arbroath
Abbey. Written in Latin, it was sealed by
eight earls and about forty barons. It was
authenticated by seals, as documents at
that time were not signed. Only 19 seals
now remain.

Alice Blackwell, Senior Curator of
Medieval Archaeology and History at
National Museums Scotland said: “We
are delighted to have the opportunity
to display the Declaration of Arbroath
here at the National Museum of
Scotland. It is a hugely significant
document and a vital piece of
Scotland’s history. We look forward to
welcoming many visitors to enjoy the
rare opportunity of seeing this iconic
document close up.”

Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson
said: “The Declaration of Arbroath is
of great historic and cultural interest
to Scots and people around the world
of Scottish descent. The display of this
iconic document will give people from
across Scotland and further afield a
wonderful opportunity to visit the
museum and see this important piece of
history for themselves.”

Laura Mitchell, Deputy Keeper, National
Records of Scotland, said: “The Declaration
of Arbroath is a key treasure in our extensive
collections and we are proud of the role we
play in conserving this significant historical
artefact for future generations. The display
will allow Scots and visitors from further
afield to see this famous document for the
first time in 18 years.”

The Declaration was written during
the long Wars of Independence with
England when, despite the Scots’ success
at the Battle of Bannockburn, Robert I
had not been recognised as king by either
Edward II or by the Pope, and had been
excommunicated by the latter. At this time,
the Pope desired peace between England
and Scotland, so both could help in a
crusade to the Holy Land. The Declaration
sought to influence him by offering the
possibility of support from the Scots for his
long-desired crusade if they no longer had
to fear English invasion. After receiving the
Declaration, the Pope urged reconciliation
between the warring sides and a truce
was agreed in 1323. A peace treaty was
signed between England and Scotland
in March 1328 and the following year the
Pope issued a papal bull permitting the
anointing and crowning of a King of Scots.
The peace was short-lived, however, as the
Second War of Independence broke out in
1332 and went on for twenty-five years.

The Declaration of Arbroath will be
on display at the National Museum of
Scotland in Edinburgh Saturday June 3
to Sunday 2 July 2023. Admission Free.
For details see:www.nms.ac.uk/declaration

From The Scottish Banner, Volume 46 Number 10
www.ScottishBanner.com

The Scottish Banner is the international Scottish community’s newspaper for global Scots.

03/29/2023

The Centre for Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph invites you to attend the launch of Truth or Treason? Sources for the Study of the Jacobites, an exhibit of some of the University's outstanding array of Jacobite-related materials that speak to the complexity of the Jacobite movement, the deep divisions it generated, and broad alliances in which it was implicated. The entire programme for the Launch will be livestreamed and that the event will be recorded. As a result, the Eventbrite invitation has been updated with the livestream option. See registration details below.


— AGENDA —

14:45 - 15:00
Arrival & Registration

15:10
Welcoming Remarks and Introduction to the Exhibit
Dr. Kevin James, Scottish Studies Foundation Chair & Professor of History, University of Guelph

15:20
Student Perspective on Curating the Exhibit
Dylan Parry-Lai, MA History student, University of Guelph

15:25
Student Perspective on Designing and Promoting the Exhibit
Amy Moffat, 3rd year History student, University of Guelph

15:35
'Female Rebels': Gender in the 1745-46 Jacobite Rising
Dr. Leith Davis, Professor of English & Director of the Centre for Scottish Studies, Simon Fraser University

16:05
Ribbon Cutting
Russel Muncaster, 4th year History student, University of Guelph

16:10
Reception & Exhibit Viewing
(Light refreshments will be provided.)


— REGISTRATION —

The event is free and early registration is encouraged, as tickets are limited. To register and for more information please visit the Eventbrite site at:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/truth-or-treason-sources-for-the-study-of-the-jacobites-tickets-585975477427

Contact: Melissa Turner at [email protected]

Best wishes and thank you for your support. I'll be sending a link to the recording of the event once it's available.

David Hunter
President
Scottish Studies Foundation
www.scottishstudies.com

THE SCOTTISH STUDIES FOUNDATION is a registered charitable organization dedicated to advancing the study of Scottish history and culture, including its many Canadian dimensions. In 2004 we endowed the landmark Scottish Studies Foundation Chair of Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph — the ...

03/08/2023

335 Likes, 8 Comments - Andy The Highlander () on Instagram: "Meet Private Wojtek. The solider bear. After he moved to Edinburgh Zoo in the aftermath of the w..."

03/01/2023

Visit Us At: https://scottishculturalcentre.com/

11/24/2022

On Saturday, December 3rd, Professor Viccy Coltman (University of Edinburgh) will be the guest speaker at this year's SFU Research Centre for Scottish Studies annual St. Andrew's and Caledonian Society lecture. For the first time, they are pleased to offer you a hybrid in-person event at SFU's Vancouver Campus and over zoom. Register today.

https://bit.ly/3V3zpCE

Please join us for the annual St. Andrew's and Caledonian lecture on Saturday, December 3rd at 12 PM PT. This year's lecture will feature Professor Viccy Coltman (The University of Edinburgh).
You can attend the lecture in person at SFU Harbour Centre (Room 1410) or on Zoom. Following the lecture, Professor Leith Davis will present her two books, published earlier this year, and a reception will be served at SFU Vancouver.

Learn more and register.
https://sfu.lwcal.com/event/32612-1

SFU Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

07/19/2022

Inquire with us at [email protected]

06/08/2022

Make plans to spend time in Coquitlam June 17 & 18 for ScotFestBC. The 90th anniversary of the BC Highland Games will celebrate Scottish culture and educate young and old alike. Learn about the Gaelic language, Bagpipes and Drums, Scottish Country Dancing, Scotch Whisky, and more!

https://bit.ly/3aQBhMP

PAT CHESSELL BAND CLANNA MORNA PIERRE SCHYRER & ADAM DOBRES PIPES IN THE PARK DAVE & SHAUNA HILDER OPEN PIOBAIREACHD WHISKY & OYSTERS REMAX SCOTTISH HEAVY EVENTS/CABER TOSSING MASSED PIPE BANDS HIGHLAND DANCING CDN. HERITAGE STAGE: DANCERS OF DAMELAHAMID STRICTLY SCOTTISH KATARI TAIKO DRUMMERS ROYAL...

05/13/2022

04/19/2022

Contact us

[email protected]

04/08/2022

Openings still available THIS SUMMER!
Contact us at [email protected]

https://bit.ly/3v7JPVS

03/18/2022

On March 18, 1689 The King's Own Scottish Borderers (KOSBs) was a line infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Scottish Division, was formed by David Leslie, 3rd Earl of Leven to defend Edinburgh against the Jacobite forces of James VII.

It's claimed that 800 men were recruited within the space of two hours. The regiment's first action was at the Battle of Killiecrankie on 27 July 1689. Although this battle was a defeat for the Williamite army, the Jacobite commander, John Graham, 1st Viscount Dundee (Bonnie Dundee), was killed by a volley fired by Leven's Regiment, bringing an end to James II's attempt to save his throne in Scotland.

The regiment was judged to have performed well and was granted the privilege of recruiting by beat of drum in the City of Edinburgh without prior permission of the provost.[

On March 28, 2006 the regiment was amalgamated with the Royal Scots, the Royal Highland Fusiliers (Princess Margaret's Own Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment), the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), the Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons), the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's), 52nd Lowland Regiment, and 51st Highland Regiment to form the Royal Regiment of Scotland, becoming the 2nd Battalion of the new regiment. However, after just a few months the battalion merged with the Royal Scots (1st Battalion) to form the Royal Scots Borderers. In 2021, the battalion was disbanded and its personnel transferred to the 1st Battalion, Ranger Regiment.

03/01/2022

On March 1st, 1546 George Wishart was burned at the stake as a heretic by Cardinal Beaton.

George Wishart was born in Haddington, a town in East Lothian, in1513. He studied classics at the University of Aberdeen and worked as a schoolmaster at the Grammar School in Montrose, where the first teaching of Greek in Scottish schools began. He taught the New Testament in Greek.

But in 1538, he was charged with heresy by the Bishop of Brechin and fled to Switzerland and Germany where he joined the followers of Jean Calvin (1509-64). He returned to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge in 1543, and then to Scotland in 1544 as part of a mission sent by the English King Henry VIII (1509-1547) to arrange the marriage of his son Edward (later Edward VI (1547-1553) to the young Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-87).

George Wishart was a famous member of the Pitarrow family, the martyr, a powerful Protestant preacher, confidant and mentor of John Knox. While preaching the Protestant Reform in 1546 he was betrayed to Cardinal David Beaton and imprisoned in the bottle dungeon at the Castle in St. Andrews. Subsequently he was tried for heresy, condemned to death and burnt at the stake outside the Castle.

On the fateful day the Captain of the Castle invited Wishart to breakfast and gave him bags of gunpowder to put in his clothing. The executioner fell on his knees before the pyre to beg Wishart's forgiveness, which he gave. When the burning began the gunpowder exploded but did not kill him straight away and his agony was prolonged. Cardinal Beaton watched from his window.

Public reaction was hostile, and George Wishart's martyrdom was the real trigger which set in motion the Reformation in Scotland.

Some weeks later George Wishart's friends conspired against the Cardinal and gained entry to the Castle by subterfuge. They found Cardinal Beaton in his room, killed him and hung his body from the battlements. It is said that afterwards they formed in the Castle the first congregation of the Church of Scotland.

The spot where George Wishart died is marked by the letters GW in cobblestones outside the Castle, and commemorated by a plaque nearby.

01/25/2022

Every late January sees Scots raise a toast and plates of haggis, neaps and tatties to honour Scotland's national poet and the Bard of Ayrshire, Robert Burns on Burns Night.

The legacy of the pre-Romantic 18th century poet has long lived at the heart of Scottish culture – ingrained in our literature, heritage and tourism. He is known for writing epic and folktale-inspired poems which captured the attention of readers in Scotland and beyond, thanks to his distinctive poetic voice and use of Scots language.

But for some, Robert Burns’ life and poetic success remains a mystery, with many visitors to Scotland left wondering why the poet is still honoured with at least 20 statues in the country as well as his own honorary night of celebration centuries after his death.

Robert Burns was born on 25 January 1759 at Burns Cottage in Alloway, a village near Ayr, to tenant farmer father William Burnes and mother Agnes Brown. Working as a farmer on and off following the death of his father in 1784, Burns transformed a childhood passion for reading, writing and learning into a successful career as a Scots poet.

His affinity with nature and love of the Scottish landscape went hand in hand with his poetic style and sensibility, having first begun to compose poems during long hours of tough farm labour.

Two years after paving his way to literary acclaim in Scotland and beyond with the production of his first collection of Scots poems, entitled ‘Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish dialect’, he later married Jean Armour in 1788.

The couple had previously sought to marry after their relationship resulted in the birth of two children, but this was forbidden by Burns’ father until the late 1780s.
Burns had numerous love affairs throughout his career and wrote many poems inspired by his relationships with women such as Mary Campbell from Dunoon, who he paid tribute to in his poems "The Highland Lassie O" and "Highland Mary".

The most well-known poem written in Scots by Robert Burns is, without a doubt, Auld Lang Syne. While the tune sung every Hogmanay to mark the start of a new year in Scotland is based on an old Scottish folk song, we take the lyrics from the bard’s 1788 poem. Since being first matched with a tune in 1799, it has been sung in countries around the world as a traditional way of celebrating the end of the old year and transition to the new.

But other famed and celebrated works by the Scottish bard include epic poem Tam O’Shanter, in which drunken farmer Tam rides home on his horse, Meg, from an Ayr public house to his angry wife. The 228 line poem sees Tam encounter a “hellish legion” of witches, warlocks and the Devil at Alloway Kirk – haunted and lit up in an eerie, gothic scene – and later bore the name for the flat tartan ‘Tam O’Shanter’ bonnet cap which are a hallmark of Scottish tourist shops.

Other noted works in Burns’ career included Ae Fond Kiss, To a Mouse, The Battle of Sherramuir, Address to a Haggis, A Red, Red Rose and Scots Wha Hae, which served as a rebuttal of English rule in the 18th century with lines such as “Wha, for Scotland's king and law / Freedom's sword will strongly draw”.

Burns remains hugely popular around the world. In Russia and Eastern Europe he is best-known for The Twa Dugs and A Man's a Man for a That.

Burns Night is celebrated on 25 January each year in Scotland to mark the birth of Robbie Burns and is widely considered to be Scotland’s “other national day”, alongside St Andrew’s Day in November.

Burns celebrations often see the culmination of a number of Scottish cultural traditions to pay tribute to Rabbie and his undying love of Scotland, its landscape and its people.

The first instance of Burns Night was held more than 200 years ago, when several of the poet’s closest friends came together to celebrate Burns and his works on the fifth anniversary of his death in 1801.

The meal included a full haggis supper, merriment and performances of Burns’ songs and poems.

Towards the end of his life, Burns was struggling to earn a living and was also plagued by ill health. He had turned to training as an excise or tax collector in the late 1780s as his attempts at tenant-crofting on Ellisland Farm in Dumfriesshire began to prove unsuccessful.

By 1791, Burns had given up on the farm entirely and became an exciseman in Dumfries – where he likewise became well-versed in lyric writing and contributed to several high-profile Scottish music collections such as ‘A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the Voice’ (1793) by composer George Thomson.

Burns came to stay in the nearby Brow Inn (demolished in 1863) on 4 July 1796 to seek a cure for what we now know was rheumatic fever on the advice of his doctor, William Maxwell. The "cure" comprised drinking the well water and bathing in the Solway Firth.
Burns died on 21 July 1796 after his health had worsened considerably.

In his 2008 book, ‘Robert Burns the Patriot Bard’, Patrick Scott Hogg claimed that during the autumn of 1791 things Burns’ illness was so severe that he was visited by a doctor five times in a single week due to reports of being feverish and having painful joints.

The poet’s renowned final resting place, the Burns Mausoleum in the cemetery of St Michael's Kirk in Dumfries, is a five minute walk from the Globe Inn where he scratched his name into the window. The name is still there.
https://bit.ly/3r2khc9

The Burns Memorial in Vancouver's Stanley Park
https://bit.ly/3KF8gky

Burns' Poems can be found here:
https://bit.ly/3fVr3K6