South Ayrshire Children and Young People Compete in Scots Verse Competition Final
Children and young people from Girvan and surrounding areas recently competed in the final of the annual Scots Verse Competition, hosted at Girvan Academy on Thursday 26 February.
The Scots Verse Competition takes place between January and February each year, requiring pupils from Primary 1-4 and Primary 5-7 year groups to represent Barr, Barrhill, Ballantrae, Colmonell, Dailly, Girvan, Maidens and Sacred Heart Primary Schools, reciting popular Scottish poetry, including the works of Robert Burns. Two pupils from each school category were selected as winners before participating in the finals evening, which was judged by an independent panel of representatives from the Carrick Burns Club who selected an overall school cluster winner.
This year's overall winner was Jessica who recited "Address to a Haggis" by Robert Burns. Girvan Primary School was presented with the 'Ailsa Craig' Trophy, which was donated by Lord David Kennedy, Marquess of Ailsa, patron of Carrick Burns Club. Allyce was the runner up for their performance of "Street Talk" by J.K. Annand.
Both winners will perform their winning recitals at the Carrick Burns Supper in January 2027.
The full list of finalists is outlined below:
Joey (P1) reciting
"The Wee Rid Motor" by Sandy Thomas Ross
Elijah (P2) reciting
"Nessie" by J.K. Annand
Allyce (P4) reciting
"Street Talk" by J.K. Annand
Gregor (P4) reciting
"Street Talk" by J.K. Annand
Cole (P3) reciting
"Scottish Rain" by Tom Bryant
Olivia (P3) reciting
"Street Talk" by J.K. Annand
Jessica and Lilly (P4) reciting
"A Dug a Dug" by Bill Keys
Gracie (P2) reciting
"Snaw" by J.K. Annand
Aiden (P7) reciting
"To a Mouse" by Robert Burns
Ellie (P5) reciting
"The Sair Finger" by Walter Wingate
Scott (P7) reciting
"Address to a Haggis" by Robert Burns
Thomas (P7) and Iona (P7) reciting
"Address to a Haggis" by Robert Burns
Jessica (P5) reciting
"Address to a Haggis" by Robert Burns
Levi (P7) reciting
"Address to a Haggis" by Robert Burns
Daisy(P7) reciting
"Address to a Haggis" by Robert Burns
Marcel (P7) reciting
"Tam O' Shanter" by Robert Burns
South Ayrshire Council's Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, Councillor Alec Clark, said: "This is a unique opportunity for our children and young people to gain an insight into our local culture and heritage, keeping traditional Scots language alive. Councillor Clark, whose remit includes tourism and culture, continued, "The works of our National Bard, Robert Burns, is renowned across the world and I'm delighted that our pupils are celebrating this.
"I'd like to congratulate all winners and finalists for their fantastic recitals for which their hard work was evident. Thanks to Carrick Burns Club, to the Judges and to the parents, carers and grandparents for encouraging and supporting the children."
South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor William Grant, said: "Once again, I'm delighted that our curriculum has enabled our children and young people to learn about the Scots language and practise the works of Scottish poets. All of our young learners involved should take great pride in themselves. I'd like to thank the Education staff and the Carrick Burns Club for organising a great evening."
South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, Councillor Chris Cullen, said: "The support that the Carrick Burns Club provided our learners from the Girvan cluster schools was fantastic. Partnership with our local communities allows opportunity for knowledge and tradition to be passed on and this competition would not have been possible without it. Thanks to everyone involved."
