Burns event brings film preview

The library has an extensive Burns collection

Two US films on the life of Robert Burns have been screened in Scotland for the first time as part of an event to celebrate the national bard.

The Burns International Conference took place at Glasgow's Mitchell Library.

Organisers said the venue houses the "best Burns collection in the world".

Speakers included writer William McIlvanney and Thomas Keith from New York, who showed the American films depicting the poet's life.

The publisher and actor flew in from the US for the conference, which was the first opportunity for a Scottish audience to see The Romance of Robert Burns, which was filmed in 1937, and Robbie and His Mary (1959).

Mr McIlvanney spoke on the topic of Burns: A Scottish Accent of the Mind.

"The unique event draws top experts and lay people together in their passion for poetry and Scotland's heritage. Dr Gerry Carruthers Conference co-director

Artefacts on display included a cast of Burns's skull, which is part of the Colin Hunter MacQueen collection.

Guided tours of the Mitchell's Burns treasures were also on offer.

Dr Gerry Carruthers, from the University of Glasgow, is one of the co-directors of the annual conference.

"This event draws on the best Burns collection in the world, which is held at the Mitchell Library," he said.

Celebrated worldwide

"The unique event draws top experts and lay people together in their passion for poetry and Scotland's heritage.

"Only Burns, a champion of ordinary people who is celebrated worldwide, could appeal to and bring together such a wide range of people.

"The international conference gives new insights into the life and works of Burns, and reveals new nuggets of information about the poet and balladeer, including the aspects of Burn's works and life adapted for film."

The current state of Burns' cottage and museum at Alloway is a national disgrace Adam Ingram Scottish National Party

His fellow co-director, Dr Ken Simpson of Strathclyde University, added: "The Burns collection of the Mitchell is one of Scotland's foremost cultural resources. The event advertises this fact to a very wide audience."

Meanwhile, an e-petition has been lodged on the Scottish Parliament's website by Alloway and Doonfoot Community Council.

It calls for a review of the policy and commitment of the Scottish Executive to place Robert Burns and his legacy at the heart of its culture and tourism policies.

The e-petition also urges ministers to ensure that the flagship assets of Burns heritage, including his birthplace at Alloway and its associated museum, are properly restored and developed.

A discussion forum on the website allows people to discuss and debate the petition and related issues.

Cultural potential

Scottish National Party MSP Adam Ingram welcomed the petition.

"I would urge the Scottish public, and indeed anyone who appreciates the massive contribution that Robert Burns has had in shaping the values of our nation and promoting the fraternity of humankind, to contribute to this debate," he said.

"The current state of Burns' cottage and museum at Alloway is a national disgrace.

"The failure to realise the potential of our Burns heritage in both cultural and economic terms is a massive source of frustration to the local community and indeed to the country at large."