To the Editor:

Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, is the only poet or musician that has a worldwide celebration. It is on or near his birthday, January 25. He is also known as the Ploughman’s Poet.

Burns was a farmer, but not a very productive one. His poems and songs were noted for preserving the Gaelic language and the passion he had for the everyday beauty and life of the common folk. He overturned a field mouse’s home one day. He was so effected by this, that he wrote,“To a Mouse.” Burns tolerated all creatures and was touched by ordinary events.

From intimate groups gathered in a pub to larger more formal celebrations, toasts are raised to Robert Burns. A Burns Night dinner has become a tradition here in Franklin. This year Burns Night will be held at Tartan Hall, first Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, January 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. Celebrations around the world have several common features:  calling of the clans, presentation of the haggis, recitation of “ Ode to the Haggis,” poetry and songs of Robert Burns, entertainment, Scottish county dancing., and singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Our dinner is a catered five-course dinner.

Our entertainment this year will be the Jacobites, a group from Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida, with local ties to Franklin. If you have never heard “Auld Lang Syne” the way Robert Burns wrote it, this is your chance. Our piper is Michael Waters. The Scottish country dancing will be led by Marshall and Anne McLaughlin. At 69, if I can give it a go, anybody can try. After all, this night is celebrating a person, a poet, a musician who lived life to its fullest.

Advance tickets are now on sale at the Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center and the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Please feel free to join us for a rollicking good time. This dinner is sponsored by the Friends of the Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center.

Merrilee Bordeaux

President of the Friends of the Scottish Tartan Museum and Heritage Center 

Franklin