Dumfries is an ancient town that it is often referred to as the Queen of the South. Robert the Bruce sparked the Wars of Independence here, and gained his first victory over English King Edward I when he took Dumfries Castle. The town has strong links with other famous Scottish figures: Robert Burns lived here for the last five years of his life, and is buried at St. Michael’s. While J.M. Barrie attended the local Academy, and it is said that he conceived the idea for Peter Pan in the gardens nearby.
2009 marks the 250th anniversary of Scottish poet Robert Burns' birth. Burns was a poet and a lyricist and is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland.
The Burns Supper was started a few years after his death by a group of his friends; they held the supper to honour and remember Burns. The tradition caught on and the ritual of Burns Supper is now held all around the world.
His life and work will be celebrated throughout the year at many Burns-related events.
