Gathering 2009 And Robert Burns

[hamepages]

Gathering 2009 in July is the biggest single event of this Homecoming year. And yet, despite the fact that the inspiration for the year was to celebrate Robert Burns 250th birthday, there is little sign of Burns at the Gathering.

While I accept that the Gathering 2009 is foremost a Clan event I am concerned that there seems to be an absence of events featuring Scotland's national bard during the weekend festivities.

In an effort to try to redress the balance, I have organised a Free event called "Fare-thee-weel Night" for Sunday 26th July at a venue in central Edinburgh. This will give those attending the Gathering from all corners of the globe to get together one last time and to enjoy some Scottish entertainment with a strong Burns theme. The full programme has yet to be finalised but will include a short version of the Scottish musical play, "Clarinda", about the love affair between Robert Burns and Nancy McLehose that inspired the poet to write "Ae Fond Kiss".

The venue will be laying on a BBQ from 6 to 7.30pm and there will of course be a licensed bar. The entertainment will run from 7.30 to 9.30pm leaving plenty of time thereafter for a blether.

As I said admission is free but restricted to 200 places allocated on a first come basis. If you are in Scotland in late July and are interested in attending email me at [email protected] with detail of how many places you require.

Mike

For information on "Clarinda" visit the web site at www.clarindathemusical.com

[Rindy]

Hi Mike, I don't know if my sister and I will make it or not. We will make it to Scotland but need lots of travel ideas. Quiet time of year is there such? May be I should of said a slow time of year, yeah that's better. Keep us updated.

Slainte, Rindy.

[hamepages]

Hi rindy,

there is no bad time to come as the weather don't chnage that much all year round! Never all that hot in the Summer, not too cold in the winter.
If you are going to Edinburgh then avoid August because of the Festival - unbelievably busy. September is a nice time and most of the tourists have gone as the kids are back at schools.
If you want any travel ideas just let me know

mike

[Rindy]

Thank you very much for the information Mike that's very kind of you.
I'll bet it's beautiful any time of year. I sure would like to be there for Fare-thee-weel Night. It sounds fantastic. Thanks for keeping everyone up to date on things.

Slainte

[hamepages]

My pleasure.
And if you are coming over feel free to drop me an email and i'll try and help you plan your visit

Mike

[glaswegian]

are there actually any scots going to it. I have only read about the homecoming on forums lke these and small arrticles in the paper.

I get the impresson that the scots dont even know anything about it.

[hamepages]

Well the whole idea of Homecoming 2009 was to get people with Scottish roots to come back to Scotland. And to some extent that is working. I know there are thousands coming for the Clan Gathering alone and others coming over at all times of the year.
But if anyone in the country wants to join in there are certainly events and festivals all round Scotland throughout the year although it is fair to say that a lot of those would have been going on without it being Homecoming year.
But in these ecomomic times we can get a few more to come over then it can't be a bad thing

Mike

PS Still think there should have been more about Rab - aifter a', fa's birthday is it?!