South Ayrshire Council News

Provost Winifred Sloan and David Kiltie, chairman of Maybole Community Council present a limited edition copy of the Burns Chronicle.
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A limited edition book, charting the global celebration of Robert Burns' 250th birthday has been presented to four local schools in Maybole by South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan on behalf of the organisers of last year's year of Homecoming events.

Published by the Robert Burns World Federation, a special 250th anniversary limited edition of the Burns Chronicle has over 700 pages and contains entries from many contributors including clubs, communities, academics and individuals, from all over the world.

Limited to just 1000 copies worldwide, the book features five pages from the events and activities that marked the Maybole community's own celebrations of the Bard's birthday and iconic life.

During a special ceremony at Maybole Town Hall, copies of the book were presented to pupils from Cairn Primary, Gardenrose Primary, Saint Cuthbert's Primary and Carrick Academy.

David Kiltie, chairman of Maybole Community Council, also asked Provost Sloan to present copies of the book to Alex Kelly of Maybole Community Association, Helen McAdam of Maybole Historical Society and to Bill McCubbin of the Maybole Saint Crispin Burns Club.

Provost Sloan said: "Today is all about celebrating and congratulating those people and organisations in Maybole who made such an outstanding contribution to the success of that event, marking the 250th anniversary of the Bard's birth.

"This is the biggest book ever produced by the renowned Robert Burns World Federation and is one the most comprehensive works on Burns ever printed.

"I am absolutely thrilled and very proud to see Maybole prominently featured on five full pages of this magnificent work. The community, schools and local organisations who contributed to the historic Burns celebrations last year, have now become part of the Burns legacy itself.

"It is, in every sense, a truly global achievement."

Mr Kiltie also presented a copy of the book to Provost Sloan in thanks for all she had done for Maybole during the Year of Homecoming. He said: "Maybole is proud of its links to Robert Burns and as a community were keen to play a full role in the celebration of his 250th anniversary.

"It is especially pleasing that those efforts have been included in this wonderful book."