Thousands around world take part in virtual Burns anniversary supper
BURNS fans around the globe are being asked to raise a toast to Rabbie on January 25 despite the coronavirus crisis.
Photos from the Virtual Burns Night will be included in a project to mark the 220th anniversary of the first Burns Supper.
It was held in Burns Cottage in Alloway, Ayrshire, on July 21, 1801, commemorating the date of the poet’s death rather than his birth.
More than 2500 worldwide Burns Suppers will feature in a new interactive map as part of a project led by researchers from Glasgow University.
The map – part of The Burns Supper in History and Today project – will showcase menus, orders of ceremony, settings and entertainment.
It will be the most detailed record of Burns Night activities made by the Centre for Robert Burns Studies, which is based at the university.
Research assistant Dr Paul Malgati, said: “We have sent out invitations to join us for our #VirtualBurnsNight 2021 to thousands of people across more than 140 countries and we want everyone else to join in.
“Considering the effects of the global pandemic, we realised that by bringing together all our contacts, we had a unique opportunity to hold a substantial virtual event, making up for the cancellation of many Burns Suppers across the world.
“The chief purpose of this ‘Virtual Burns Night’ is to pay a fitting tribute to Robert Burns despite Covid-19.
“Providing enough of us participate, we hope our combined efforts on social media can attract significant attention to the global community of Burnsians, haggis gourmets, Scots by birth and Scots by heart who every year raise a toast to the memory of Scotland’s national bard.
“Whatever you do around Burns Night – whether you attend a Burns Supper or must stay confined at home with a dram of whisky and a plate of haggis – we want to hear from you.”
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop also urged people to get involved.
She said: “Although we are unable to meet up physically this year, we can still come together and continue the traditions of Burns Night from the safety of home.”