FEEDBACK BURNS 225  - Rest in Poetry 

(June 17th  to July 21st , 2021)

Introduction

Robert Burns (1759 –1796) is Scotland’s national bard. His poetry and songs centre on everyday life, and have been described as thought-provoking, romantic, humorous, using small subjects to express big ideas. To celebrate the 225th anniversary of Burns’ death, the Scottish Society of Ottawa presented BURNS 225 - Rest in Poetry Event Series. The SSO events anticipated Burns’ lasting influence on Scottish culture and the enriching heritage left to all Scots both in Canada and Ottawa. 

SSO BURNS225 Events

Among the events implemented as part of the SSO hosted BURNS 225 celebrations included: 

  • Research conversations

  • Canada Day Ceilidh

  • Scottish Theme Walking Tour of Beechwood Cemetery

  • BURNS225 Rest in Poetry Activity Book.

  • Rest in Poetry Swag Bags.

  • Pub Patio Celebration

  • Burns 225 Tribute

Summary Highlights

  • Over half of attendees (53%) were paid members, and familiar with the SSO (57%).

  • BURNS 225 generally attracted an older audience (91% over the age of 55), with 6-in-10 female (60%), and an equal proportion (64%) not employed - retired, not employed or students. 

  • Two-thirds (63%) were repeat attendees, and most (88%) judged BURNS 225 a success.

  • Under half (50%) attended the Ivison/Mackay virtual presentation, and were satisfied (85%).

  • Nearly all attendees (94%) indicated that they would participate in future SSO events.

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Hogman-eh! was the most likely choice for future participation (82%), followed by the Burns Gala in January (74%).

  • Just over 88% were satisfied with BURNS 225. 

  • Attendance was highest among respondents for the Ivison/Mackay presentation (50%), Swag bag purchase (39%), and Patio Pub Celebration (39%). 

  • The BURN 225 Activity Book drew the least participation (8%).

  • For those who attended, the highest satisfaction was expressed for the Ivison/Mackay event (85%). The lowest satisfaction was expressed for the BURNS 225 Activity Book (30%). Most other BURNS 225 events – Tribute, Pub Celebration, Beechwood Tour, Swag Bag purchase, and Canada Day Ceilidh - were in the 42% to 56% satisfaction range.

  • A similar proportion (59%) of BURNs 225 participants were satisfied with accessing contemporary cultural content provided by Scotland as represented by #ScotlandisNow.


Nearly all BURNS 225 attendees (94%) signaled they were likely to attend future SSO events. 

  • Just over half (54%) of BURNS 225 attendees were paid SSO members. 

  • Eight-in-ten attendees reside in Ottawa (83%). Other parts of Ontario represented 8%, International 6% and Quebec 3%.

  • BURNS 225 attracted a much older generational audience, with 91% age 56 or older (Boomers).

  • Six-in-ten (60%) of BURNS 225 attendees were female, while 40% were male.

  • Less than half the respondents provided written comments. These were generally positive. 

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“I really enjoyed Dr. MacKay/Ivison ’s presentation and I learned a lot about Robert Burns. I’d love to attend more events like this in the future, virtually or in person… I could have listened to them for another hour, truly.”

With appreciation to our event sponsors. partners and contributors:

The City of Ottawa, Walkers Shortbread, Mackies of Scotland, Ottawa Press and Publishing, Milestones Lansdowne, Deacon Brodies Pub

AllSaints Event Space, The Glen Scottish Restaurant and Pub, Deacon Brodies Pub, and The Globe Inn, Dumfries, Scotland

Edinburgh and Scotland Tours, Robert Burns World Federation, #ScotlandIsNow

Christine Guay