Perth celebrates work of Robert Burns

Jan 15 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

ONE of Scotland’s leading nights celebrating the work of renowned Scots poet Robert Burns is set to take place in Perth.

Members of the Fair City’s Burns Club will gather at the Salutation Hotel on January 23 to celebrate the work of the famous wordsmith.

A host of top speakers are set to appear at the South Street venue, alongside approximately 200 guests.

This year’s principal speaker, and proposer of ‘The Immortal Memory’, is Professor Robert Crawford, of St Andrews.

Professor Crawford appeared at an international Burns conference in Vancouver, Canada, in April last year and is the author of ‘The Bard’ – a book charting the life of one of Scotland’s favourite sons.

The ‘Toast to the Lasses’ will be proposed by Falkirk’s Brian McGregor and will be replied to by the well-known local actress Lesley Mackie.

Perth Burns Club secretary Donald Paton declared: “The entertainment is again set to be of the accustomed high standard, with songs from tenor Paul Vaughan, baritone Craig Dennis and soprano Nicola Cowmeadow.

“Also on the musical programme is Perth High School pupil Hannah Holmes, who won the senior solo singing award at the Perth Burns Club Schools festival last November.’’

For further information on Perth Burns Club activities telephone Donald Paton on 01738 634 376, or e-mail dnmpaton@blueyonder.co.uk.