Politicians Meet Mauchline Burns Club to Discuss 2009 Homecoming
13th November 2007
Cathy Jamieson MSP and Des Browne MP met last week with representatives of the Mauchline Burns Club to discuss their plans for the 2008 Holy Fair and a programme events for the 2009 Year of Homecoming – the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.
Following the meeting the local politicians were given a tour of the restored Mauchline Kirkyard.
Cathy Jamieson MSP said:
“The Mauchline Burns Club do a fantastic job in organising the annual Holy Fair which brings thousands of visitors to Mauchline from all over Scotland. We had the opportunity to discuss their plans for the 2009 Year of Homecoming and there are a number of issues which I will be taking up on their behalf with the Scottish Executive. The 250th anniversary of the birth of Burns is a hugely significant event and Ayrshire must play the central role in the celebrations.”
Des Browne MP said:
“The Homecoming celebrations of Burns and his contribution to our heritage must include Ayrshire and in particular Mauchline. It would be a travesty if the celebrations excluded the area which inspired Burns to write of his first love Jean Armour. I will be working with my colleague Cathy Jamieson MSP and Mauchline Burns Club to ensure the 2009 Year of Homecoming recognises the contributions made by Robert Burns in Mauchline and Ayrshire”.
