IRVINE Burns Club marked the beginning of its 200th anniversary year with a packed house at the annual celebration of the poet on January 24, held in the Volunteer Rooms.
The club was founded in 1826 by 12 local men who first met in Milne’s Inn — now The Crown — to honour Burns, who had lived and worked in Irvine as a young apprentice flax weaver.
Nearly 150 guests attended the evening, which featured the traditional Immortal Memory delivered by club president Donald Wilson.
Vice-president Peter Latham proposed the toast to Bonnie Jean, while vice-president elect Rosemary Murdoch offered the toast to Scotland.
Honorary members Margaret Cook and Ian Dickson - both former teachers - recited selections from Robert Burns’ works.
Riley McClory delivered the Address to the Haggis, accompanied by piper Scott Garden, and musical performances were provided by Christopher Haggerty and Sam Prescott.
Among the attendees were Susan and Kenneth Burns from Northern Ireland, who returned to Irvine exactly 50 years after spending their honeymoon in the town. The couple chose to celebrate their Golden Wedding by joining the event.
Festivities continued on January 25, the birthday of Scotland’s National Bard, when Provost Anthea Dickson joined representatives from local organisations and Burns Clubs to lay floral tributes at the Burns Statue on Irvine Moor.
Before stepping down, President Wilson presented an Honorary Members Certificate to local businessman Martin Welsh, recognising his longstanding contributions to Ayrshire entrepreneurship and cultural heritage.
Donald then formally passed the President’s Chain to incoming President Peter Latham, who in turn presented the Vice President’s Chain to Rosemary Murdoch.
The events marked a memorable start to the club’s bicentenary year and their continuing tradition of honouring the legacy of Robert Burns.
Share