This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Robert Burns 2007
25/01/2007
First Minister Jack McConnell recalled his childhood experience of Robert Burns in a message specially recorded for the website to mark the 248th anniversary of the birthday of Scotland's National Bard.
He was filmed in Edinburgh at the old Royal High School building on Calton Hill overlooking the Burns momument, the Canongate, and the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.
He said:
"This wonderful monument here in the centre of Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is a lasting tribute to Scotland's most celebrated poet, Robert Burns.
"The monument was designed by renowned architect Thomas Hamilton and erected 177 years ago. It is based on Hamilton's earlier Burns Monument in Alloway which was the first ever monument to Burns - built in 1823.
"Alloway, of course, is the home of Burns and I still remember my visit as a child to his family cottage there.
"In recent years the cottage has fallen below the standards we would expect but visiting the cottage that was his birthplace should be an inspiring experience that encourages both young and old to learn more about Burn's work.
"So I'm sure that Burns admirers the world over will be delighted that we have today announced an £11 million investment in the cottage and the surrounding area. The Burns international museum in Alloway will be a fitting tribute and a lasting legacy to Burns genius.
"From his origins in that cottage in Alloway the genius of Robert Burns has spread throughout the world.
"Tonight, all over the globe, people will be reciting poetry, drinking Scotch whisky, enjoying the company of friends and pausing to remember one of the world's finest ever poets.
"Burns night is a unique event of which Scots are rightly proud.
"It is not just the beauty of his writing that causes Burns to endure almost 250 years after his birth. It is also his life and the subjects he chose to write about.
"The opening of our parliament (just down here) will, for many, always be remembered for the moving recital of A Man's a Man. Words which confirm the worth of every human being regardless of origin and which are as inspirational today as they were when they were written. He speaks to us all with an eternal message and that is why so many people in all parts of the world will be celebrating him tonight and over the coming weeks.
"Wherever you are when you raise a dram to our bard I hope you have a pleasant and memorable evening."