South Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper has raised a motion to parliament to congratulate the Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association (DGBA) on the successful 76th anniversary of its annual club gathering at the Brow Well, to commemorate Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns.
Ms Harper joined the President of Dumfries & Galloway Burns Association, Fiona Evans, and members of DGBA, as well as the President of the Robert Burns World Federation, Marc Sherland, and the Reverend Moule, along with many Burns Club members and MP and MSPs colleagues at the Brow Well near the village of Ruthwell, to commemorate Robert Burns who died on 21 July 1796.
President Marc Sherland laid a wreath to commemorate Robert Burns at the Brow Well, where Robert Burns took in the iron rich waters, on the advice of his physician, William Maxwell.
This year’s Brow Well ceremony, took place in line with COVID-19 guidelines, with a welcome speech from President Fiona and then oration by Mr Sherland. Tributes were accompanied with songs from Leona Evans, Alan Beck and Willie McRobert on accordion. Howff Club Piper, Callum Watson provided the lament.
Ms Harper, a past-President of the Dumfries & Galloway Ladies Burns Club, commented;
“I was delighted to attend this very special occasion – the 76th Anniversary of Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association’s annual club gathering – to commemorate oor National Bard, Robert Burns and I have raised a motion to congratulate the club upon their efforts.
“Last year I was delighted the club continued with the annual gathering following my suggestion to commemorate Burns by a virtual Brow Well commemoration ceremony online, but it is of course wonderful to be able to be physically present now at the well known historic Brow Well location. Attendees were able to pay tribute to our national bard face-to-face.
“It was great to see and speak to everyone from local Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association clubs and other Burnsians, many of whom I know from my ongoing membership and Past Presidency of Dumfries Ladies Burns Club No1, and I wish the Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association every success for the future”.
Fiona Evans, President of Dumfries & Galloway Burns Association, said;
“As President of Dumfries & Galloway Burns Association I was delighted to finally be able to welcome everyone in person to our Brow Well ceremony. We came together as friends on 225th anniversary of the death of Robert Burns in 1796, to celebrate the life and honour the death of our beloved Burns.
“Although due to the pandemic we had to cancel our ceremony last year, through 21st century technology and with the expertise of Robertson Wellen and more than 40 volunteers representing every club in our association, every political party and local dignitaries, we managed to share our Brow Well message around the world. However, for me, to be able to welcome everyone in person for the first time as President, was very special. The Brow Well ceremony is a highlight for our region in the Burns calendar”.
