New Burns Supper artwork unveiled in virtual reality exhibition
The Flying Haggis, a new artwork created by Scottish artist David Mach for the University of Glasgow, will be officially launched in virtual reality on Burns Night!
Article Source: University of Glasgow
Last Updated: 21 January 2022 11:24
Image Credit: Martin Shields
A new artwork by the Scottish artist David Mach for the University of Glasgow, celebrating the global reach of the Burns Supper and Scotland’s national bard, will be officially launched in virtual reality on Burns Night.
The artwork called ‘The Flying Haggis’ was commissioned by the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Robert Burns Studies to mark the end of a two-year project, researching the history of Burns Suppers, and mapping these events in the 21st century.
It features some of the over 350 images crowdsourced from people around the world who submitted photos of their own Burns Night events in 2021, many of which like this year were held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.
David Mach said: “You’ll see ‘Flying Haggis' is not a stiff affair. I wanted to make a Burns Night that Robert Burns himself would want to attend. It’s a collage but acts more like a film on pause, press play and the action will carry on. Even the room joins in the extravagance of the night.
“There’s an almost orgiastic celebration, Scottish to kick off but soon joining together all the liberal, freethinking, independent, romantic spirits of the world.”
The artwork will be unveiled as the centrepiece of a Virtual Reality exhibition, created as part of the ‘Burns Beyond Reality’ collaboration between the University’s Centre for Robert Burns Studies and immersive learning platform Edify.
As well as watching the official launch of the new artwork, members of the public will be able to experience the story and legacy of the Burns Supper as never seen before, including a virtual trip to Alloway Auld Kirk as Rabbie imaged it in ‘Tam o’ Shanter’.
Register for the free event here: www.gla.ac.uk
Dr Pauline Mackay, a Lecturer in Robert Burns Studies who has been leading with Edify on the creation of ‘Burns Beyond Reality’ said: “Immersive technology enables us to access, and experience Burns and his legacy in exciting and innovative ways, no matter where we are in the world. It really is Burns for the twenty-first century.”
Martin McDonnell, CEO and Co-Founder at Edify, said: “It's inspiring to be working with Dr Mackay and the University of Glasgow to bring Robert Burns's poem and the wild imagery of "Alloway's auld haunted kirk" to life in virtual reality.
“VR represents a step-change for heritage and arts professionals, enabling them to create immersive, interactive experiences that showcase the past and works of art in unprecedented ways; Fostering learning, creativity, and collaboration, and removing the limitations of physical environments, time, or distance. But the really exciting part for us at Edify is the unique opportunity to engage with a global audience, using the superpowers of VR to share an experience that would be impossible to take part in any other way.”
The Centre for Robert Burns Studies research has mapped more than 2500 worldwide contemporary Burns suppers brought together on an interactive world map.
The University of Glasgow has continued its partnership with the Scottish Government which aims to harness the global appeal of Burns and his works to the rest of the world and position Scotland as a great country to live, work, study, visit and invest in. Delivered by Brand Scotland, this year’s international marketing campaign will celebrate Burns Night and encourage people to discover the best of Scotland’s past and present, carrying the bard’s enduring messages of friendship, love and kindness into the present day.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The work of Robert Burns continues to enrich and influence the lives of millions of people in Scotland and across the globe. Burns Night is a time for celebrating the legacy of our most renowned poet and longheld Scottish traditions, but it’s also a prompt to appreciate today’s forward-thinking Scotland.
“David Mach’s new artwork, and the global virtual events and resources created to mark Burns Night, give everyone the opportunity to celebrate Burns and his legacy in new and exciting ways.”
Many people, including Burns Clubs and Scots across the globe, joined in the virtual Burns Night and took the opportunity to share photos and details of their celebrations. Around 200 of these crowdsourced photos were sent to David Mach for inspiration and use in his new artwork.
Professor Gerard Carruthers, Co-Director of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies (CBRS) based at the University’s College of Arts, and principal investigator on The Burns Supper in History and Today project, said: “Today, it is estimated that over nine and a half million people around the world take part in a Burns Supper every year. The Burns Supper is a huge testimony to the bard’s enduring appeal not only withinScotland but around the world. With the conclusion of our research, we believe we have now created a one-stop shop for everything you want to know about the Burns Supper, past and present.”
The new interactive map – part of The Burns Supper in History and Today project – features 2500 Burns suppers across 140 countries on five continents and gives an inventory of their menus, settings, entertainments, and orders of ceremony.
Dr Paul Malgrati, a Research Assistant on The Burns Supper in History and Today project at the University of Glasgow, said: “From research on the history of haggis in Scottish literature to a worldwide survey of Burns Suppers, we’ve gained a deft understanding of Scotland’s biggest feast. This mixture of festive Scottish tradition and global diversity is perfectly illustrated by David’s artwork —a true testament to Burnsian vitality ‘the world o’er’.”
This project is the most detailed record of Burns Night activities ever made to this day by the Centre for Robert Burns Studies, the largest concentration of Burns experts in the world. The map also features on www.scotland.org/burns as part of the international promotion of Burns work and Scottish culture.
Born in 1759, Robert Burns’ poems and songs have been translated into every major language, and his influence has extended far beyond Scotland.
Since the first supper was held in July 1801 by the bard’s close friends as a memorial dinner it has morphed into a worldwide event celebrating Scotland’s distinctive heritage and culture.
A Scottish Government commissioned report published in January 2020 by the University’s Professor Murray Pittock shows that Robert Burns is worth over £200 million a year to the Scottish economy and the poet’s brand is worth nearly £140 million annually. The study also found that in Scotland alone, Burns Suppers are worth £11 million annual with an estimated 9.5 million people worldwide attend Burns Suppers every year.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
Four top chefs in Glasgow team up to raise money for Hospitality Health
Four of Glasgow's top chefs are teaming up on Thursday 13th November to host a charity dinner for Glasgow based charity, Hospitality Health.
READ MORE
Go to Christmas market for locally made gifts returns to Glasgow city centre
Mary's Meals' much-loved market – where your Christmas shopping can help feed hungry children – returns at The Social Hub this November!
READ MORE
Peter Kay announces triumphant return to the OVO Hydro next year
Extra tickets released including premium seats to celebrate his record-breaking stand-up tour.
READ MORE
Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries
Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.
READ MORE
Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host
Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships
Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.
READ MORE
Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service
Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!
READ MORE
Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow
The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.
READ MORE
Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present
This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience
Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025
As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus
Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.
READ MORE
The Superlative Collection to host charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland in Princes Square
The Superlative Collection are taking over Glasgow's iconic Princes Square, on Friday 21st November, to host a charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland.
READ MORE
KENJI to open first Scottish store at Silverburn
Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, will welcome Scotland’s first KENJI store this December.
READ MORE
Aldi calls on schools in Glasgow to sign up for healthy eating programme
Aldi is inviting schools, parents and guardians in Glasgow to sign up to its Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, which teaches children about the importance of healthy eating.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation
Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
Double win for Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant in Glasgow at the Asian Restaurant Awards
Two of Glasgow's most loved dining spots, Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant, have achieved a remarkable double victory at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2025.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links