Robert Burns Humanitarian Award
The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is a globally respected honour bestowed annually
on a group or individual who has shown selflessness and dedication in a bid to save,
enrich or improve the lives of others.
Scotland’s son Robert Burns is remembered world-wide for his passionate promotion
of human rights and social reform. Named in his honour, this much sought after humanitarian
award applauds the efforts of people who bring hope and inspiration, often in desperate
situations, and help change lives for the better.
View photos of the Award night.
As Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns is celebrated as a pioneer of his generation,
with his dynamic vision inspiring the founders of socialism and liberalism. The
humanitarian values he embraced in his short life are captured for eternity in his
rousing world famous works which are now his legacy. Burns’ work continues to inspire
people from all walks of life and in all corners of the globe.
Launched in 2002, the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award aims to acknowledge the efforts
of a group or individual who has saved, improved or enriched the lives of others
or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service or ‘hands
on’ charitable work.
The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is supported by South Ayrshire Council, EventScotland
and VisitScotland. As well as a specially commissioned award handcrafted in Scotland,
the winner will receive the equivalent of 1759 guineas – a sum which signifies the
year of the Bard’s birth and the coinage in circulation at the time – equating to
£1,800 in today’s currency.