Article Source: Issued on behalf of National Trust for Scotland by Frame PR.
Last Updated: 28 January 2021 10:27
Viewers from all around the world tuned in to Burns Cottage on Saturday as conservation charity The National Trust for Scotland hosted its first ever virtual Burns night. The Alloway cottage is owned and managed by the Trust and is the place where Burns was born over 260 years ago. It was also the site of the first Burns Supper in 1801 making 2021 the 220th anniversary of the event which is now celebrated around the world by around nine million people.
Over 2,600 tickets were sold for the Burns Big Night In, hosted by DJ and presenter Edith Bowman. Broadcast live from Burns Cottage, the event featured a mix of music, song and poetry as well as conversation about his life, work and legacy.
Janey Godley gave her take on the Bard, Alistair McCulloch played the Gregg Violin, an instrument played by Burns himself and NTS Learning Manager Chris Waddell showed viewers an original manuscript of Auld Lang Syne in Burns’ own hand. Performances also came from Kevin Williamson, Talisk, Iona Lee and Jenn Butterworth & Ross Ainslie.
While the majority of virtual attendees were in the UK, Burns fans logged in from around the world with viewers in the USA, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Singapore, Norway, Spain, Germany, South Africa, Belgium, Ireland, Switzerland, Israel, Cyprus, Sweden, Finland, Hong Kong, Bahrain and Austria.
Messages of support came throughout the night including Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop Tweetingnational trust for scotland
saying how much she enjoyed the event saying: “Well done National Trust for Scotland, a great contemporary but heritage and culture rich celebration of the works of genius of Robert Burns, as an Alloway lass I’m very proud.”
One viewer even took to verse to praise the night saying:
“Covid came to us all last year,
It changed our lives and gave us fear!
We thank Edith and the National Trust,
For celebrating Rabbie, cos thats a must!”
Mark Bishop, Director of Customer & Cause at the National Trust for Scotland said: “The Burns Big Night In wasn’t just the largest virtual event we’ve ever done but the biggest Burns night we’ve staged. To have so many people around the world share our passion for Burns was phenomenal and it shows that in these extraordinary times the desire to come together and celebrate the things we love about Scotland is stronger than ever. The money raised from the event will continue the work we do such as the rethatching of Burns Cottage and repairing and restoring Burns Monument. And for that, as Burns might say, we’re thankit.”
Image: Alistair McCulloch playing Gregg Violin
ICW will bid farewell to the Asylum with emotional weekend of events next month.
READ MOREMan's Best Friend brings Douglas Maxwell's award-winning combination of humour, emotion – and for the first time, dogs to the Tron Theatre!
READ MORELegendary fire-cooking festival Meatopia is coming to Scotland for the first time, taking over SWG3 Glasgow from 6th – 8th June.
READ MOREIRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.
READ MOREGlasgow's reputation as a leading national and international destination for conferences has been cemented by the latest statistics on the value of this important part of the city's economy.
READ MOREThe King's Theatre Glasgow are pleased to share full casting of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the publication of C.S. Lewis novel.
READ MOREScottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MOREGlasgow's cult fried chicken spot, Birds at Phillies of Shawlands, is proud to announce its first-ever collaboration and it's a special one.
READ MORELionel Richie is proud to announce rising star Brooke Combe will be supporting him on the UK leg of his 'Say Hello To The Hits' tour, including at Glasgow's OVO Hydro.
READ MOREA new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MOREAudiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MOREAward-winning smash hit musical The Bodyguard will star international leading lady Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron and Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer when it comes to Glasgow!
READ MOREThe 'department store for second-hand style', Charity Super.Mkt, in Buchanan Galleries is celebrating one year this May, proudly marking its longest-running store to date.
READ MORE2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MOREThe Last Laugh will arrive at Glasgow's Theatre Royal this summer following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!
READ MOREPavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MOREFor one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MOREOriginal cast member of Midsomer Murders, Daniel Casey, joins new stage adaptation making its Scottish premiere at the Theatre Royal Glasgow in February.
READ MORESee the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.
READ MORECelebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MOREThis June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORENominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MOREThe Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORENewly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORERoll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.
READ MORETo celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MOREPavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORELychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORECalling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!
READ MORE