Burns could bring tourists to Dumfries & Galloway

DUMFRIES & Galloway wants to cash-in on its connections to national bard Robert Burns. Burns-related tourism currently generates £21 million a year for the region – a fraction of the estimated £121m it earns for neighbouring Ayrshire. Now, a study commissioned Dumfries & Galloway Council has laid out a four-year plan to grow Burns tourism,…

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Around the world with Burns

THE Unversity of Glasgow has created an online map of Burns Night celebration taking place around the world. Academics now want Burns Clubs and Scots around the globe to join in a virtual Burns Night on 25 January by sharing photographs and details of how they are marking the 2021 celebrations using the hashtag #VirtualBurnsNight…

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Burns & Beyond festival goes online

EDINBURGH’S “Burns & Beyond” festival is returning for a third year, with a series of free online events. The fesitval will begin on 23 January and run until Burns Night. Singer KT Tunstall will perform “Ae Fond Kiss”, while Aidan O’Rourke from musical trio Lau has selected artists to deliver music and poetry during a…

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‘Hello Dolly!’ as museum and other sites reopen

THE National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is among the tourist attractions reopening today as Scotland’s businesses continue to bounce back from the coronavirus lockdown. The Chamber Street museum’s entrance hall and level one galleries open today, with other parts of the site opening on unspecified later dates. Two new displays have been completed to…

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Record your version of Auld Lang Syne for Make Music Day

BUDDING musicians have until 5pm on Friday to record their version of Auld Lang Syne and submit it to a massive online project. Videos of the public’s recordings will be made into a collage that will be broadcast on Make Music Day on 21 June. Make Music Day UK has commissioned composer Hamish Napier and…

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Fiona Kennedy releases ‘remembering’ EP

SINGER Fiona Kennedy drew on inspiration from Robert Burns, the Highland clearances, and the death of family friend for her latest extended play (EP), The Maple Tree (I’ll Remember You). The EP was produced by award-winning musician Calum MacColl, one of Kennedy’s friends and long-time collaborator. Kennedy said: “The theme of the EP is ‘remembering’ –…

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The perfect place to pop the question for Valentine’s

A Scots castle has created the ultimate map for men looking to propose in a romantic location this Valentine’s Day. With so many planning a proposal, the iconic Blair Castle in the heart of Highland Perthshire has launched a guide to help those confused by the countless choices to create that unforgettable moment. The Map…

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Time capsule with a love of Robert Burns discovered

A time capsule discovered in Leith containing relics from the 19th century has offered a glimpse into locals’ love of the national bard, on the eve of Burns Night. The cache of mementos was unearthed by contractors working on the City of Edinburgh Council’s Trams to Newhaven project in December, when the Robert Burns statue…

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Upturn in interest for Burns Night searches online

Interest in Burns Night has grown internationally over the past four years. Ahead of Burns Night this Saturday trusted data provider SEMrush  has released new research illustrating that global interest in the national celebration is soaring. SEMrush analysed Google Search volumes from January 2016 and January 2019 Global Google searches for Burns Night and its…

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Two alternative Scots spirits to toast Burns Night

If you’re not into whisky but want to toast the Bard with something special, some other award-winning Scots spirits are being suggested. Burns Night celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a dram of whisky, but for those who prefer white spirits, Eight Lands Organic Speyside Gin and Vodka provide a perfect alternative whilst giving a nod…

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