Calendar An icon of a desk calendar. Cancel An icon of a circle with a diagonal line across. Caret An icon of a block arrow pointing to the right. Email An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of the Facebook "f" mark. Google An icon of the Google "G" mark. Linked In An icon of the Linked In "in" mark. Logout An icon representing logout. Profile An icon that resembles human head and shoulders. Telephone An icon of a traditional telephone receiver. Tick An icon of a tick mark. Is Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes. Is Not Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes with a diagonal line through it. Pause Icon A two-lined pause icon for stopping interactions. Quote Mark A opening quote mark. Quote Mark A closing quote mark. Arrow An icon of an arrow. Folder An icon of a paper folder. Breaking An icon of an exclamation mark on a circular background. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Caret An icon of a caret arrow. Clock An icon of a clock face. Close An icon of the an X shape. Close Icon An icon used to represent where to interact to collapse or dismiss a component Comment An icon of a speech bubble. Comments An icon of a speech bubble, denoting user comments. Comments An icon of a speech bubble, denoting user comments. Ellipsis An icon of 3 horizontal dots. Envelope An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of a facebook f logo. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Home An icon of a house. Instagram An icon of the Instagram logo. LinkedIn An icon of the LinkedIn logo. Magnifying Glass An icon of a magnifying glass. Search Icon A magnifying glass icon that is used to represent the function of searching. Menu An icon of 3 horizontal lines. Hamburger Menu Icon An icon used to represent a collapsed menu. Next An icon of an arrow pointing to the right. Notice An explanation mark centred inside a circle. Previous An icon of an arrow pointing to the left. Rating An icon of a star. Tag An icon of a tag. Twitter An icon of the Twitter logo. Video Camera An icon of a video camera shape. Speech Bubble Icon A icon displaying a speech bubble WhatsApp An icon of the WhatsApp logo. Information An icon of an information logo. Plus A mathematical 'plus' symbol. Duration An icon indicating Time. Success Tick An icon of a green tick. Success Tick Timeout An icon of a greyed out success tick. Loading Spinner An icon of a loading spinner. Facebook Messenger An icon of the facebook messenger app logo. Facebook An icon of a facebook f logo. Facebook Messenger An icon of the Twitter app logo. LinkedIn An icon of the LinkedIn logo. WhatsApp Messenger An icon of the Whatsapp messenger app logo. Email An icon of an mail envelope. Copy link A decentered black square over a white square.

Bringing people together and ‘revitalising culture’: Robert Burns schools competition to return

Young people will get the chance to compete at a Robert Burns festival. Image: Kenny Elrick/ DC Thomson.
Young people will get the chance to compete at a Robert Burns festival. Image: Kenny Elrick/ DC Thomson.

A popular schools festival celebrating Scottish culture will return to the north-east in March.

The Robert Burns World Federation North-east Scotland Schools Festival was last held before Covid.

Now preparations are under way to bring it back on March 4, with youngsters aged between seven and 18 taking part in a variety of competitions.

Entrants from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray will show off their singing, verse speaking, instrumental music and bagpiping.

Helps renew Scottish culture

Picture from left to right: Tom Palmer, Cassie Findley, Rachel Low. Image: Kenny Elrick/ DC Thomson

The cultural festival, funded in the past by The National Lottery Community Fund, encourages young people to learn more about Scottish history and language while helping them gain confidence.

Many young people taking part also carry out a lot of voluntary work in their communities.

It offers participants new opportunities including invitations to perform at additional significant events.

Entry to the competition is free and those who take part receive a personalised certificate. Medals are awarded to the first, second and third in each age group.

Selected winning entrants will also be given the opportunity to represent the north-east at The Robert Burns World Federation National Festival in Ayrshire.

‘Brings family and people together’

One of the organisers of the event, Helena Anderson-Wright said she was delighted the event is returning.

Known for her passion for Robert Burns’ work, the president of the Aberdeen Burns Club, said the festival helps to “revitalise” Scottish culture.

Helena Anderson Wright. Image: Colin Rennie

Mrs Anderson-Wright said: “I think after the period of lockdown and isolation for so many people and families, it’s so nice because it’s bringing people and families all together.

“And also we’re celebrating our Scottish culture and it’s just great to revitalise all that and give people a sense of value in the community again.”

The competition will be held at Portlethen Academy on March 4. Snacks and refreshments will be available at the cafe throughout the day.

For entries or more information, e-mail robertburnscomp@aol.com

Meanwhile, on February 4, Aberdeen Burns Club is also hosting a “star-studded” Burns Supper at the Cults Hotel.

Tickets are £30 and the doors open at 6pm. To find out more or to book tickets, contact the club using the same email as above.

Conversation