News Release

Father of the Bard Project appeals for major sponsor

8th December 2008

A project involving people with learning disabilities in the research of the life, work and family of Scotland’s national Bard is appealing for community-minded sponsors.

While the poetry and songs of Robert Burns are known the world over, it is not so commonly known that William Burness, Robert’s father, was a native of Kincardineshire.

The Father of the Bard initiative is led by Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work and Housing Service and aims to find out more about William Burness, his life and times, and particularly his Kincardineshire links.

Based in Stonehaven, the two-year research project is being carried out by people with learning disabilities from across Aberdeenshire, supported by social work staff.

They will be involved in researching and producing a DVD and exhibition materials, as well as an education and resource pack which will be produced and distributed throughout the community.

A family history project focusing on the Burns family will also be developed, linking with the Year of the Homecoming in 2009.

A series of business lunches are also being held, where guests are served traditional Scots fare and guests are invited to share their knowledge on all things Burns.

The food is prepared and served by people with learning disabilities with the support of staff from Aberdeen College and the Forest View Day Centre in Stonehaven.

Each menu and guest list will build over the life of the project, and will form the basis of a cookery book, with a foreword by a celebrity chef.

The Father of the Bard project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) with a grant of £49,000, and by Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work Service, but the project has to raise money of its own and is appealing for up to £8,000 sponsorship.

Community development officer for people with learning disabilities, Kevin Hutchens, said: “This is important and valuable work being carried out to preserve the Burness family memorials and to remember the Burns family’s link with the Mearns.

“We very much appreciate the support received to date, particularly from the Heritage Lottery Fund, however a major sponsor is still sought for aspects of the project.

“The securing of a major sponsor will give added value to the project and increase community involvement. Some sponsorship has been secured for the business lunches for and elements of the launch, but another sponsor would help everyone involved in the project to move forward with confidence.”

Possible sponsorship could be of one or more elements of the project, including: a DVD on the life and times of William Burness, an education pack on the life and times of William Burness and the Burns/Burness family history map.

Sponsorship will be accepted from any business or company in the UK or abroad and in return they will be acknowledged alongside major funder, the Heritage Lottery Fund.

For further information on the project, please contact Dave Ramsay on (01569) 764167, or by email at: dave.ramsay@aberdeenshire,gov.uk

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