It is an honour and privilege to become President of our Robert Burns World Federation and I am grateful for the support and endorsement of fellow board members.

My aspiration is to ensure that the Federation continues to be recognised and promoted as one of Scotland’s, most treasured cultural assets.

External social, political and economic factors have impacted our lives in recent years and the way we interact socially will determine how we reimagine the Federation going forward. We have a wonderful opportunity to reset and use the innovative skills of the younger generation in embracing technology as we prepare to take our clubs and associations forward

I have been working with several Universities and Colleges to initiate projects which will yield positive outcomes in promoting the Scots language and the work of Robert Burns. These students have in some cases been sponsored by external charities and societies which are willing to work in partnership with the Federation and member clubs.

Partnership working is the way forward.    

It is challenging to encourage the younger generations to join a Burns club and indeed the Federation but there is enthusiasm to help on projects if they can.

Research has shown that the membership demographic has been affected post covid and many clubs have ceased to exist or membership numbers have dwindled. The question, therefore, is how we reignite interest in recruiting new members to the Federation and affiliated clubs

I will shortly be visiting clubs in Canada during which time I’ll be meeting other further education professionals to make links for similar institutions back in Scotland. By building relationships abroad and exploring opportunities for Scottish institutions, senior management in Scotland have agreed to engage and support Federation activities by providing facilities for Federation events where possible   

It remains for me to ask all our members to come forward with your thoughts and ideas on how best we can take forward and promote the works of the greatest literary genius since William Shakespeare and how we can continue to make your Federation remain the true global phenomenon that is The Robert Burns World Federation

Thank you and best wishes

Peter Pringle
President