Burns experts gather in Dumfries

Robert Burns spent his last years in Dumfries

Academics from across the world have converged on Dumfries to discuss the legacy of poet Robert Burns.

A five-day summer school, at the University of Glagow's Dumfries campus, will end with a one-day conference entitled Doon Hame with Robert Burns.

Burns spent the latter part of his life in or near Dumfries and died in the town in 1796 at the age of 37.

The conference forms part of the Homecoming and 250th anniversary celebrations of the poet's birth.

Scottish History professor Ted Cowan, from the Crichton Campus, said: "Throughout the week we will be joined by academic scholars from as far afield as Canada and Australia as well as those closer to home from Europe and the UK itself.

"I am confident that the summer school will contribute to our understanding and appreciation of the Bard."

The event will finish with the launch of a new post graduate M.Lit in Burns Studies under the auspices of the Burns Appreciation and Research in Dumfries (BARD) Inititative.

The programme also features dance, social activities and live music including an evening of song the Globe Inn, one of Burns' favourite taverns.