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Robert Burns 2008
25/01/2008
Burns Day is an opportunity to celebrate our unique culture, First Minister Alex Salmond said today in a special Burns Day message.
In his online message, which features extracts of an interview recorded with the Herald's Poetry Editor Lesley Duncan, the First Minister reveals that Robert Burns is his favourite Scot of all time, and reads from his favourite poem - A Man's a Man for A' That.
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A series of events, including Burns suppers, readings and Ceilidhs, are taking place around the world today, marking the fact that the National Bard is still making a significant contribution to our national identity.
Mr Salmond said:
"Burns Night marks the vast and brilliant work of my favourite Scot, as well as the end of Scotland's Winter Festival. It is a time to reflect on the reach and richness of our culture, and to look forward and consider our place in Scotland's future.
"Next year, to mark the Bard's 250th anniversary, will be the Year of Homecoming Scotland. This will be a celebration of the great contributions Scotland has made to the world and an opportunity for Scots abroad to reconnect and engage with their heritage. We want to encourage them to come back and visit.
"The poetry of Robert Burns has carried Scots to an audience beyond our shores and adds real colour to the Scottish tartan. As celebrations around the globe, from Ayrshire to Argentina, will testify Scotland's favourite son now forms a substantial part of the articulation of Scottish identity. His work contained virtues that have been absorbed into our sense of self - it is humorous, radical and articulate.
"These are strengths that support a lasting legacy we should be proud of. My message today is simple - Robert Burns is my top Scot."
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Meanwhile, during a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill urged people to celebrate Burns Night while drinking responsibly and keeping within the safe limits.
He said:
"Many Scots at home and abroad will be raising a dram to celebrate the life and works of our National bard. I for one, have certainly enjoyed doing so at The Scotch Whisky experience.
"Scotland produces many world class tipples and our whisky industry is a major part of our drive for sustainable economic growth. We should be proud of that. I certainly am.
"A world-renowned product such as Scotch Whisky is an ideal way to toast one of Scotland's most famous sons. It's important that we are proud of our whisky industry. That said our relationship with drink needs to change.
"Burns wrote some great stuff about the impact of alcohol - Tam O'Shanter and his drouthy crony Souter Johnny come to mind. But it took the wonder of Burns' pen to turn a drunk into a legendary character. The reality of what abusive drinking does to people is much less poetic.
"In Scotland we still need to learn to appreciate the quality drinks we produce and stop drowning ourselves in excessive quantities of it. It is not the drink but how we are drinking - Scotland and many Scots have to change. Have a nip or a dram but savour it and be able to remember enjoying it."
Managing Director of the Scotch Whisky Experience Alastair McIntosh said:
"We are delighted to be celebrating Rabbie Burns' birthday by offering a whisky tasting in our shop and some wonderful recipes in our Amber Restaurant. Visitors can meet Rabbie Burns on our Tour as part of our car ride through Scotch Whisky history.
"We are very supportive of the Scottish Governments approach to sensible drinking and we were recently very happy to be one of the supporters of Alcohol Awareness week."
Campbell Evans of The Scotch Whisky Association said:
"As we raise a glass to Robert Burns, we can be proud that Scotch Whisky is being enjoyed around the world today, showing once again that it is an iconic and economically important ambassador for Scotland. Created only after years of maturation, Scotch Whisky is a drink to be sipped and savoured; to be enjoyed responsibly."