From Russia with love ... visitors adore The Bard
Russian visitors entertained more than 80 members and friends from Burns Clubs across Ayrshire.
The trio of Eastern European visitors were winners in the St Petersburg Forum Knowledge of Scotland competition, and their prize was a trip to Alloway.
Anna Zakharova, Alex Kramovq and Ksenisa Sobko were treated to a guided tour of Burns Cottage, the Museum and walked the route of the Tam O’Shanter poem with members of Alloway Burns Club.
On Friday, September 22 they were treated to a lovely meal at Alloway Parish Church Halls, provided by the village’s Burns Club president Andy Moynihan and his wife Tracy, the club secretary.
Afterwards they gathered in the church hall with Celtic Voices, a youth singing from Girvan to provide the evening’s entertainment.
Firstly, Anna gave an interesting account of Scottish wildlife, including singing a song set to the tune of Greensleeves.
Alex then had everyone laughing as he talked knowledgeably of our bard, as if he were Burns’ descendant himself.
And Ksenia told all about her search for a hero which led her to the “heartthrob” William Wallace, ending with a dramatic dance for her hero.
All three young people then sang a traditional Russian folksong. Throughout the night, talented members of Celtic Voices delivered songs to add to the entertainment.
The company broke for tea and coffee midway as the president encouraged everyone to have a “guid chat” with their guests - and the Russian girls even joined in with Celtic Voices for some communal singing.
After the vote of thanks from vice- president Maureen Leitch, the evening finished with the traditional singing of Auld Lang Syne.