Children and Young People Celebrate National Bard at Annual Burns Supper

Children and young people across South Ayrshire recently celebrated the works of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, at an annual Burns Supper event.

South Ayrshire Council's Education service, in partnership with Alloway Burns Club, hosted two successful events on Tuesday 24 February at Ayr Town Hall. Primary 7 pupils across the authority attended, providing an opportunity to meet fellow learners from cluster school areas for Ayr Academy, Belmont Academy, Carrick Academy, Girvan Academy, Kyle Academy, Marr College, Prestwick Academy and Queen Margaret Academy, supporting the transition to secondary school.

As a result of the support of Alloway Burns Club, both sessions followed the format of a traditional Burns Supper, with South Ayrshire pupils piping in the haggis and performing key roles including addressing the Haggis; Toast to the Lassies; Reply to the Toast; Immortal Memory; Selkirk Grace; and Vote of Thanks. Learners also recited poetry and performed Scottish songs.

South Ayrshire Council's Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, Councillor Alec Clark, said: "Robert Burns is a significant part of our cultural heritage in South Ayrshire and it's important for us to continue to celebrate the works of our national bard". Councillor Clark, whose remit includes culture and tourism, continued, "I thoroughly enjoyed this event and I would like to thank our Education staff and Alloway Burns Club for organising the successful day."

South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Services, Councillor William Grant, said: "The works of Robert Burns is an important part of the curriculum for Scottish culture and history, particularly with the links to our locality. The pupils should be incredibly proud of their performances throughout the sessions and their hard work and dedication to hosting a traditional Burns Supper was evident.

"This was also a great way for pupils from different schools to get to know one another before they transition to secondary school later in the year, and I'd like to thank Education staff for providing this beneficial opportunity."

South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, Councillor Chris Cullen, said: "The knowledge and experiences of our community groups is invaluable. I'm delighted that our staff were able to work in partnership with the Alloway Burns Club to facilitate the annual schools Burns Supper.

"I'd like to thank the Alloway Burns Club for the support given to our pupils."