Celebrating Robert Burns with Dr. Leith Davis

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inI’m Reading Poetry, Robert Burns, Simon Fraser UniversityTags:, , , ,
Simon Fraser University Centre for Scottish Studies

Tonight, we celebrate Robert Burns, affectionately known as Rabbie Burns, the great Scottish poet and lyricist. He has been given the honoured titles of National Bard, Bard of Ayrshire and the Ploughman Poet. He penned in the language of the Scots, even though much of his writing is in light Scots dialect and in English.

This year will be different from all other Robert Burns Suppers that have been held throughout its history. January 25, 2021 will be the first time that the Burns Supper will be going virtual across the world.

Dr. Leith Davis, Professor of English at Simon Fraser University and Director of Simon Fraser University, Centre for Scottish Studies, speaks of another moment in the history of Burns Suppers when new technologies connected the community celebrations across vast distances.

Dr. Leith Davis, Director Centre for Scottish Studies

Thank you for joining in celebrating the life and works of Robert Burns.

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

24 thoughts on “Celebrating Robert Burns with Dr. Leith Davis”

    1. I am really excited about Dead of Winter, Teagan. I have always felt that there is a vital connection between mythology and what we consider reality. I believe the myths allow us to explore universal questions, even as they act as a guide from generation to generation. This is a great conversation! Sending many hugs on the wing back your way.

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      1. It really is intriguing how myths are able to seep into the cracks and crannies of the mind. The Welsh mythology that I originally found while researching that story… I don’t think I used more than a trace of it, but it stuck around for the Atonement series and has left crumbs in other stories too. All that, when I didn’t find anything endearing about the myth, or even particularly likeable — yet it really took root. Stranger still considering my heritage is Scottish (and Native American) rather than Welsh. Stay safe and warm. More hugs.

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  3. Thank you for including this delightful contribution by Dr. Davis–so very enjoyable! ! Her comments and photos are outstanding and add so much to the Robert Burns story and his influence through the decades. Please extend my thanks and appreciation to her work and for her delightful contribution on OnTheRoadBookClub.

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    1. Dr. Davis is a brilliant lecturer and storyteller who gives fresh insight into history and our response to what has come before. This was the presentation that she made at our 2021 Virtual Burns Supper. At the end we all sang Auld Lang Syne together across Zoom. There was over 500 voices in the Zoom choir.

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    1. Oh, Mary Jo – thank goodness for our poets. They changed my world and the world around me. Robert Frost and “The Road Not Taken” Percy by she Shelly and “Ozymandias” John Keats “Ode on a Grecian Urn” William Blake “The Tiger”. Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, John McCrae, Geoffrey Chaucer, Mary Oliver, Sara Teasdale, Edna St Vincent Millay, and my personal favourites Liz Gauffreau and Mary Jo Malo. Many hugs come with my gratitude!

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    1. I love how synchronicity comes to visit. What book? Did you visit Dunfermline, Scotland, where he was born? I was amazed by how many libraries came into being because of his commitment to education.

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  7. Pingback: Season 3 Episode 4: Celebrating Robert Burns with the Address to a Haggis – Tea Toast & Trivia

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