ROBERT BURNS POETRY CONTEST

The Robert Burns Association of North America is inviting talented poets to submit their work and enjoy the work of other by taking part in this annual competition.

Roberts Burns/ Wikipedia.org

The 8th annual poetry competition held by the Robbie Burns Association of North America (RBANA) is now open for submissions. The winning poet will receive the Jack Hume Heather & Thistle Trophy for the writing of poetry in the style of Robert Burns.

The association explains that Jack Hume passed away a few years ago and not only was he the founder of the Heather & Thistle Burns Club, he was a staunch supporter of RBANA.

This is the eighth year for the trophy presentation, and entries may be submitted to: secretary@rbana.com. The deadline is Friday 21st April 2023. The association shared the following rules:

▪ Poems submitted must be original, and not previously published.

▪ Only RBANA members in good standing are eligible to win the trophy.

▪ Entries from non-RBANA members will be judged by the panel but are not eligible to win the trophy.

▪ The winner will be chosen by a three-member panel comprising of Marc Sherland, President of the Lanarkshire Association of Burns Clubs, President of the Glasgow Haggis Club, SVP of Glasgow & District Burns Association and Past President of the Robbie Burns World Federation (RBWF); long standing judge and member of RBWF Ltd Willie Gibson; and 2022 Jack Hume Trophy winner Jim McLaughlin from Calgary, AB. Entries will be submitted to the panel anonymously, and the panel’s decision will be final.

▪ The winner will be announced at the 2023 AGM and Conference in Calgary AB in May.

▪ This trophy is awarded annually, and the winner is responsible for returning the trophy to the RBANA Secretary or President prior to the following year AGM & Conference.