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
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Jo Malone London arrives at Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has announced that British fragrance house, Jo Malone London, has opened its doors today.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Merry go round Celebrates National Lottery Boost for Volunteers
Glasgow charity and social enterprise Merry-go-round is celebrating after receiving £18,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
READ MORE
SAMH takes The Nook on tour across Glasgow
A specially created preview of The Nook mental health support hub will be popping up in some of Glasgow’s most renowned locations.
READ MORE
Popular independent lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas confirmed for Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has announced it has secured popular independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer, Oliver Bonas.
READ MORE
Romesh Ranganathan to join Sheridan Smith in Woman in Mind at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Romesh Ranganathan will make his stage debut in a new production of Alan Ayckbourn's psychological comedy Woman In Mind, in a strictly limited engagement at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Original cast of Horrible Histories take to the stage at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
The Theatre Royal, Glasgow has announced an additional performance of Horrible Histories – The Concert coming to the venue from Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd March.
READ MORE
Free Film&Screen Saturday Club launches in Glasgow for 13 to 16 year olds
Teenagers in Glasgow are being offered a chance to step behind the camera and into a studio with the launch of a brand-new Film&Screen Saturday Club that's free to join and open to 13-16 year olds.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step inside the House of Horrors at Somewhere by Nico
This October, Somewhere by Nico on Byres Road dares guests to enter The House of Horrors, a 5-course cocktail experience inspired by some of cinema's most iconic fright-fests.
READ MORE
Totally fetch casting update for Scottish premiere of Mean Girls
Emily Lane will star as Cady Heron alongside Vivian Panka as Regina George when Mean Girls The Musical comes to Glasgow's King's Theatre next summer!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Last chance to see Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition at SEC Glasgow
The hugely popular experience, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, will end its very successful Glasgow run on 26th October 2025.
READ MORE
Mattel and Glasgow Life announce Barbie: The Exhibition is set to make Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Barbie®: The Exhibition is set to make its Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from 13 June 2026!
READ MORE
Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
Silverburn to host annual job fair with over 100 roles available
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, is inviting job seekers looking to gain retail experience to its annual Job Fair on Friday 10th October, 10am – 5pm in the main atrium.
READ MORE
RSNO leader Maya Iwabuchi celebrated in new portrait by Gerard M Burns
Artist Gerard M Burns has revealed a new portrait of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's Leader, Maya Iwabuchi as part of his Mother Glasgow project.
READ MORE
Flight Club Glasgow to throw an epic 10th birthday party on 13th October
Flight Club is turning 10 in October and taking the celebrations on a UK-wide birthday tour, with a month of parties in each city it calls home!
READ MORE
Dirty Dancing, The Classic Story on Stage, returns to Glasgow
Producer Karl Sydow is delighted to announce that Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will be touring the UK and Ireland from summer 2026.
READ MORE
Extra Tickets Released: True Crime Live with David Swindle comes to Glasgow
Due to high demand, extra tickets have been released for True Crime Live: Murder – A Search for the Truth with international crime expert David Swindle.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Citz new Studio Theatre opens on 8th October with Young Co celebration of the legendary Close Theatre Club
The final space in the Citizens Theatre's acclaimed seven-year redevelopment opens this week on Wednesday 8th October.
READ MORE
COSMO St Enoch introduces initiative to encourage multi gen dining
Ye cannae shove yer granny aff a bus - but you can take her for a free meal at COSMO St Enoch!
READ MORE
Record turn out for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
Glasgow's city centre was transformed into a festival of running as thousands took part in the 10K and Half Marathon, cheered on by over 100,000 supporters as part of the city's famous spirit.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links