‘ Burns’ violin is lovingly restored
A violin that is believed to have been the soundtrack to Robert Burns’ dance lessons has been lovingly restored by the National Trust for Scotland.
The instrument is believed to have belonged to Burns’ tutor William Gregg and accompanied his lessons at the Bachelors Club in Tarbolton.
Over the years a series of repairs and modernisations, including the adding of a chin cup and modern strings, had been made to the violin.
Now the National Trust have restored it to its original condition - and promise it will sound as it did in the 18th century when it is played at the Burns Big Birthday Bash at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway on Sunday.
Museum curator Sean McGlashan said: “Burns wrote that he hoped dancing would ‘ give my manners a brush.’
“More likely, he realised dancing lessons were an excellent form of rebellion as his father frowned upon such sinful behaviour.”
Last year, the National Trust for Scotland arranged for violin expert David Rattray to restore it to 18th century condition.
The fiddle, a decorated baroque violin dating to the mid 18th century, is made from pine, birds- eye maple and plain cut sycamore and has been restrung with gut strings as it would have been originally.
It will be played on a number of occasions around Burns Night by acclaimed violinist Alistair McCulloch, the first time in many years that people will hear the violin.
Alistair said: “I am very excited about playing the Gregg violin again and treat it as a real honour.
“I feel it is important to play music of the period, particularly the music of Niel Gow who Burns met in 1787.
“The tone of the instrument has a sweetness which enhances the character of these great old tunes.”
The Big Burns Birthday Bash takes place at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway on Sunday, January 29.
Events are planned throughout the day, including Burns for Bairns in the Education Pavillion, craft demonstrations inside the cottage and live traditional music in the cottage and museum.
The World Haggis Hurling Championship takes place between 1 and 3pm, with the Junkman’s Choir performing at 1.30pm and 3pm.
Shall Brothers Be, a Burns concert presented by the Alloway Burns Club and local folk group Luath takes place in Alloway Parish Church between 2pm and 3.30pm.
Booking is not required for the birthday bash. Events get under way from 1pm.
For more information visit www. burnsmuseum. org. uk or call 01292 443700.