Thousands tuned in for National Trust for Scotland Burns Big Night In

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.

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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail

Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!

KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End

The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026

The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!

Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow

The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future

Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Glasgow Film Festival reveals first titles for 2026

Scotland's biggest film festival has confirmed its highly anticipated Retrospective Programme, which gives audiences the chance to catch classic films back on the big screen for free.

Sir Billy Connolly award applications open for Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2026

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has opened applications for its prestigious Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award with acts, venues and staff in 2026's festival encouraged to apply now.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

SEC Glasgow at 40: Four decades of creating incredible

For four decades the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has stood at the centre of Scotland’s cultural life, attracting world-class shows, artists, major events and conferences to Glasgow.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Glasgow Taxis Cup returns for its 21st year in 2026

Now in its twenty-first year, Glasgow Taxis Cup, will see more than 700 student athletes from Glasgow Caledonian, Strathclyde, and Glasgow universities competing across 17+ sports in 21+ events!

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Christmas Songbook to take festive cheer to Glasgow

Scotland's iconic Christmas Songbook is back for 2025, promising to sprinkle even more festive magic in Glasgow this December!

Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor

Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Flight Club Glasgow launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch

Flight Club Glasgow kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.

Citizens Theatre announces Associate Companies and Artists programme plus new shows for 2026

The Citizens Theatre has announced a new initiative to support and collaborate with artists and theatre companies, alongside more productions in its reopening year.

Glasgow Kelvin College hosts Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event for STV Childrens Appeal

Glasgow Kelvin College students dished up community spirit in style earlier this month, raising £700 for the STV Children's Appeal through a Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event.

Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme in Glasgow

Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

From Pop to Print: Bobby Bluebell Unveils Forevermore at Glasgow Print Studio

Glasgow Print Studio is delighted to announce the launch of Forevermore, a new limited-edition print by Bobby Bluebell.

Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square set to open this Thursday

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gets underway this week with the opening of St Enoch Square on Thursday 6th November from 12 noon until 9pm.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Have a merry little Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre

Make this winter one to remember at Glasgow Science Centre! Discover a line-up of unmissable seasonal events packed with science, wonder and festive fun!