Celebrating Burns Night 2021
January 2021 marks the 220th anniversary of the first Burns Supper at Burns Cottage. Yet the world’s enduring fascination with Robert Burns shows no sign of slowing. As custodian of the world’s largest and most significant Burns collection, the National Trust for Scotland is uniquely positioned to showcase his genius.
Having experienced a year of change, we are positively embracing technology as one way in which we can fulfill what is most fundamentally important to each of us. And, marking Scotland’s national Bard’s birthday, virtually, presents Americans with a much-needed opportunity to come together in celebration, and ground ourselves in Scotland’s rich heritage.
There are some exciting Burns related events to look forward to over the next couple of weeks. Two are hosted by the National Trust for Scotland and one is hosted by the Scottish Government in DC. We positively encourage you to register for all, as each is distinct in its offering.
Read on to learn more about all the ways you can celebrate our great Bard in 2021.
Burns Night Events Hosted by the National Trust for Scotland
Having experienced a year of change, we are positively embracing technology as one way in which we can fulfill what is most fundamentally important to each of us. And marking our favorite national Bard’s birthday virtually presents us with a much-needed opportunity to come together in celebration, ground ourselves in our rich heritage, and look forward to a year where we transcend the challenges of 2020.
In 2021, the Trust will celebrate Burns by adding new depth for Burns aficionados from around the world. His work remains at the heart of Scottish culture for young and old, nationally and internationally, and is an inspiration to creatives, both traditionalists and those aiming to break the mold.
Monday, January 25, 2021
2 PM EST
Streamed live from Burns Cottage, Alloway, Scotland
The earliest recorded Burns Night celebration was held in Burns Cottage in 1801. The Burns Supper, hosted annually by the Friends of Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and held in this very same cottage, attracts some of the finest Burns speakers and performers in the country and offers a chance to enjoy music played on the fiddle to which Burns learned to dance. Now, for the first time ever, the event will be live-streamed allowing guests from all over the world to participate.
Everyone who joins in with this historic event will have their name and city of residence added to the program guest list, to be kept in the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum archives.
There is a $45 minimum tax-deductible donation to participate. Gifts above the minimum amount will support the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Can’t attend the 2 PM event? Registrants will have access to the event link for 72 hours.
This more intimate style of event has limited places, so book your ticket quickly!
Saturday, January 23, 2021
2 PM EST
Streamed live from Burns Cottage, Alloway, Scotland
The Trust celebrates our bard in style, presenting some of the most exciting performers that Scotland has to offer, streamed live from Burns Cottage, Alloway.
Burns Big Night In will bring together audiences, families, and friends, for a much-needed evening of celebration. Expect music, song, poetry, banter, and a wee dram or two!
Hosted by radio personality Edith Bowman, and featuring many well-loved and talented Scottish artists, we’re gathering people from across the UK and around the globe to virtually cross borders. You’ll be invited to ‘take a cup of kindness’ with us, moving from couch to ceilidh for Burns Big Night In. Expect a party like no other – we think Burns would have approved.
For more info on performers, and to book your tickets click on the registration link below. Please note that American tickets will not be tax-deductible as they must be purchased directly from the National Trust for Scotland. The ‘Box of Braw’ is not able to be shipped outside the UK.
The Scottish Government invites you to
Burns Night – The Spirit of Scotland Tour
Thursday, January 28, 2021 | 8 PM Eastern
Virtual Event
With compliments of the Scottish Government, NTSUSA members are invited to celebrate Robert “Rabbie” Burns – Scotland’s Bard.
The leaders in Scottish events and whisky experiences, The Dram Good Laddies, will take you on an unforgettable evening of libations, laughter, storytelling, and history throughout a virtual tour of Scotland. End the evening with some Burns poetry and an Address to the Haggis! It promises to be a night you will never forget.
Register now for your chance to join The Scottish Government’s Burns Night and see the greatest wee country in the world – SCOTLAND!
Attendees must be 21 years and older.
