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Burns interactive
24/01/2008
The spirit and personality of Robert Burns has been brought to life through a new online space celebrating the National Bard's work, history and global significance.
The Scottish Government, working with The Leith Agency, Whitespace Design Agency and Gate Films, has created an interactive guide to celebrating Burns Night.
The virtual Robert Burns guides viewers through different sections painting the Burns story in a contemporary light.
Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said:
"Robert Burns is much loved and hugely relevant in a modern Scotland and celebrated all around the world.
"We don't know what Burns would have made of the internet but we do know that the Bard's values of social and political change, freedom and equality remain just as important today as they were then.
"I'm delighted to see the works of Burns come to life on Scotland.org and reach out to new generations, cultures and nationalities. Through actor Andrew Weir's portrayal, we see the much loved aspects of Burns' character shining through his recitals, celebrating not only his artistic achievements but also his legendary charm.
"I encourage everyone to log on to scotland.org to find out more about Burns, enjoy the poems and celebrate Burns with style."
Links to the virtual Robert Burns will be sent to tens of thousands of contacts at home and overseas. The microsite is aimed at anyone interested in Burns, whether exploring his works or celebrating Burns Night on January 25.
Sample of sections from the website:
Poems
- My love is like a red red rose
- Address to a Haggis
Recipes
Traditional Burns Menus or Alternative Burns Menu covering delicious recipes such as Poachers Sea Trout, Venison Carpaccio or Haggis and Turnip Mousse
Burns Unusual Facts
He was a hard worker as a farmer and exciseman as well as a poet. The 224-line poem Tam O'Shanter was drafted in a single day while he was occupied on his day job.
Burns's poems are published in more than 24 languages, including Esperanto (an artificial language based on words common to all the European languages). It is estimated that Robert Burns is worth £100 million in tourist revenue alone. That's not including £5.5 million in high street sales and £1.2 million in traditional food.
Scotland.org is the official on line gateway to Scotland. It provides information on living, working, studying, visiting, and doing business in Scotland.