The annual Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association’s schools competition is now to be held online as a virtual competition rather than in-person.
Schools will now have to submit videos of the pupils performing.
Fiona Evans, joint convenor of the DGBA schools competition committee, said they are still hoping that primary and secondary pupils will enter the four disciplines in various age groups.
She said: “We are devastated to have to cancel the in-person competition, but are passionate about still holding it, albeit in a different way, and showcasing the work of our National Bard and the Scots language.”
The popular event pays tribute to Robert Burns as pupils will perform in recitation, singing, bagpipes and instruments.
Pre-pandemic more than 1,450 pupils from more than 30 schools across the region regularly took part in the competition, with the public able to watch the event in Dumfries.
However, Mrs Evans said they have had to rule out holding the competition with so many children and schools together indoors and have opted to take it online instead.
She said: “After careful consideration of the rising Covid cases in the region and the pressure on teaching staff we have made the decision to make changes to how we hold the schools Burns competition.
“We are moving from an in person competition to a virtual one. I have issued an email to all schools but want teachers, parents and tutors to know too.”
Mrs Evans said that she hopes schools will quickly submit entry forms by the extended closing date of Friday, February 4.
“We are still working out the final details however, once schools have submitted their entries, we will be in touch with more information about uploading entries.
“The final date for uploading videos will be February 28.
“If anyone wants more information, please contact me by email at DGBA-schoolscompetition@hotmail.com.”
DGBA will also provide schools with a letter template to gain parental permission for children to be videoed and as well as giving information on how they will comply with data protection regulations.
If a pupil requires an accompanist for their entry, Barbara Lewis, DGBA’s resident accompanist, has offered to make a recording for the pupil which can be used for the video.
Entries will be adjudicated according to DGBA’s usual procedures, with committee members there to oversee the judging.
Mrs Evans added: “Unfortunately, the Robert Burns World Federation has taken the decision to cancel the national competition, so Dumfries and Galloway’s winners and runners-up will not be invited to compete this time.”
