THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
On Saturday, January 22, The National Trust for Scotland will host an online Burns Night live from Alloway, Scotland, the small village where poet Robert Burns was born in 1759. The conservation charity's Burns Big Night In streams live from the humble cottage where Scotland's national bard spent his early years, offering a night of fabulous entertainment celebrating Scottish heritage that can all be enjoyed from the comfort of living rooms around the world.
The National Trust for Scotland has assembled a strong lineup of contemporary musicians and poets to celebrate Burns and his contribution to Scotland and its culture. The 2022 program will bring his poems and songs to the world while the ongoing pandemic prevents in-person Burns Nights for the second year running.
Performers include the award-winning singer Siobhan Miller; Scottish-Algerian poet Janette Ayachi giving her take on the epic 'Tam o'Shanter', and Laurie Cameron performing pieces from her latest studio album Something In Us Never Dies of modern reinterpretations of the lesser-known writings of Burns. Poet and writer Michael Pedersen will also perform original works in his distinctive voice.
Burns Big Night In will stream live from Burns Cottage, part of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway; the site holds the world's foremost collection related to the poet and is owned and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
DJ Edith Bowman, who led proceedings at the inaugural event in January 2021, is again hosting. Chris Waddell, an expert on Burns and learning manager at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, is also returning for 2022, saying: "Burns Cottage and Alloway was absolutely central to the work of Robert Burns and provided him with inspiration throughout his life. We hope you'll join us at the place he was born for a night celebrating creativity and culture, all inspired by Robert Burns and his words which still speak strongly to so many of us, all over the world."
Kirstin Bridier, executive director of The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, added: "We are thrilled to offer an opportunity for Americans to connect live with fellow Burns-lovers in Scotland and beyond. This year's program is sure to be special, as we celebrate the successful acquisition of the Blavatnik Honresfield Library, which includes Burns's First Commonplace Book, on behalf of the United Kingdom – a tremendous act of generosity accomplished with the support of more than five dozen Americans."
The event takes place on Saturday, January 22, from 7pm to 8:45pm UK (2pm to 3:45pm ET). Tickets and program information are available at www.burnsbignightin.org.
More than 2,600 viewers from around the globe tuned in for the first-ever Burns Big Night In on January 23, 2021. Broadcast live from Burns Cottage, the event featured a mix of music, song, and poetry, as well as conversation about Robert Burns's life, work, and legacy. Performers included Kevin Williamson, Talisk, Iona Lee, and Jenn Butterworth & Ross Ainslie.
The National Trust for Scotland is the conservation charity that for over 90 years has saved, maintained, and shared many of the country's most loved places, rich with history, heritage, nature, and culture. The charity celebrates Scotland's heritage, and with more than 100 places in its care, there's a place for everyone to love.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers a truly unique encounter with Scotland's favorite son. Robert Burns is Scotland's National Bard, and his poetry and songs are known and loved the world over. But who was he, and what made him tick? The best place to get close to Burns and his genius is his birthplace in the beautiful village of Alloway. The flagship museum starts a journey that weaves through the village, taking you from historical buildings to landmarks known to Burns. Find out more here.
A new limited edition craft beer has been launched to pair up with Scotland's national dish. Click here to read about Cold Macsween Pale Ale, aka Haggis Beer!
