A YES group is holding an event to mark the anniversary of the death of Robert Burns and his views on Scottish independence.
Dumfries and Galloway Pensioners for Independence (DGP4I) has organised a weekend of special events in Dumfries to mark the occasion, featuring an exhibition of paintings and objects responding to the poems he wrote whilst living there.
Whilst Burns’s birthday is celebrated across Scotland on Burns’ Night, his early death on July 21, 1796, in Dumfries is less recognised.
The event – which will take place over the weekend of July 20 and 21 – will also explore Burns’s feelings for Scottish independence, the rights of man and the French Revolution, of which he was a supporter of.
A spokesperson for DGP4I said: “Burns’s dislike and resentment of the Union was expressed in some of his most famous poems.
“His support for the central beliefs of the French Revolution – equality and human rights – made the authorities suspicious of him and threatened his livelihood as a customs and excise officer.
“As supporters of Scottish independence, we believe the public should be fully informed about Scottish affairs, then and now.”
'To see oorsels'
The event will feature a calligraphy taster and a call for a “Burns poem of our time”, where people are invited to write short verses on any topic that Burns might have penned if he was alive today.
Poet Hugh McMillan (below) has written a poem specially for the event, and the contributions of attendees will be collected to create a memento pamphlet.
Musicians John and Rona Carson will play traditional Burns songs, and there will also be activities for children and selfie opportunities with a special “to see oorsels” Burns portrait, named after one of the poet’s most famous lines.
DGP4I have also organised two special film screenings which reflect Burns’ influence around the world.
On July 20 at 3pm, the Robert Burns Centre will screen Angelou on Burns, a documentary made by Elly M Taylor in 1996.
Poet Maya Angelou first read Burns at the age of eight, inspiring her to become a writer and poet herself.
On July 21 at 7.30pm, the Theatre Royal Dumfries will show the film Red Rose, written and produced by Dumfries filmmaker Mairi Sutherland (below) in 2004.
The film covers the Dumfries years of Burns’ life and much of it was shot locally, including the “riot” in the Theatre Royal which got Burns accused of disrespect to the Crown.
With the exception of the two film screenings, the weekend of events is free. More information can be found on the poster below or by clicking here.
The exhibition will take place at 109 High Street on July 20 and will be open from 10am until 3pm.
