Our Passion
The journey
A chance remark in a London park over a hundred years ago led to the formation of a body which today ranks as the oldest national literary association in Scotland. That the idea of forming a Federation of Burns Clubs should have first been expressed somewhere south of Scotland is significant in itself for, from the very outset, the body which has become the official Burns movement has been no narrow national organisation, but one embracing the whole world.
In Scotland, Burns is more than a poet, he is seen as a kind of hero whose birthday is celebrated by Scots not only at home but all over the world. His fame has even aroused great interest in countries as far away as Japan and Russia and in these and other countries, Burns Suppers are fast becoming an annual event. Burns is perhaps best known to many for his tale of witchcraft "Tam O Shanter", and his song "Auld Lang Syne ".
Burns Suppers the World O’er
The power of the spoken word
Education is Power
Scots have engaged with this since time immemorial and for many years this has included a good grounding in the life and works of our National Bard. Art is, after all, there to inform us and few poets or songwriters have managed to inform as well as Burns.
Many Scots remember with fondness learning 'this wee poem' or song by rote at school and receiving a cherished certificate which made them feel positive about their abilities. The work of the Federation has long been most visible through these efforts and it's not something we could imagine changing. But our schools competitions are just the beginning. We wish to help all, no matter from which country or whatever age, to come to a fuller understanding of the wisdom of Burns and will give freely and unstintingly of our time to ensure this is achieved.
Whether you need assistance to organise a Burns Supper or learn a poem or song, or whether you are struggling with the niceties of the Scots dialect, we'd like to assist.