Let’s all drink tae a literary genius

Jan 23 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A FORMER Perth man is encouraging millions around the globe to raise a glass and toast Robert Burns.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the Bard’s birth, Steve Higson, along with Falkirk-based Julie Deans, has been co-ordinating a “Worldwide Toast to Robert Burns”.

Good wishes from Kensington Palace, together with support from MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, have already raised their spirits.

In the final countdown to the anniversary, their Worldwide Toast web-site has been bombarded.

Already, countries as far and wide as the USA, Canada, Australia, Cyprus, Turkey, the Netherlands and, of course, Scotland, have been raising a glass to the Bard, with The Sons of Scotland in Winnipeg and the Alabama Scots the first to register their toasts on-line and kick-off a fantastic worldwide celebration.

Steve, of Scottish Gemini and a former East Perthshire hotelier, explained: “It’s really easy since all you need to do is raise a glass, add up the numbers taking part in your toast and complete a brief form at web-site www.worldwidetoasttorobertburns.com to record your numbers.

“We urge everyone, everywhere, to raise a glass and take part.

“All toasts taking place before February 7 will be counted towards the overall total although if your toast is being held at 9pm GMT on Sunday you can be included as part of a Guinness World Record attempt.”

The team are also fundraising for the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway.

Shonaig Macpherson, chairman of the National Trust for Scotland, referred to the campaign as “an exciting project” and the thrilling yet simple ‘Donate a Pound Campaign’ will give the opportunity for all corners of the globe to contribute so everyone can “give something back to Burns.”

Former Bell’s whisky marketing man Steve said: “We are passionate about Scotland and we recognised the opportunity to give something back to Burns and to Scotland on the 250th anniversary of the Bard in the Homecoming year.

“It will help foster a feel good factor at a time when there is so much doom and gloom about.”

For full details contact www.worldwidetoasttorobertburns.com