The Saltire Society is one of Scotland’s leading cultural organisations that supports emerging creatives and heritage projects throughout the country. They are bringing their cultural roadshow to Ellisland on Tuesday the 12th of September.

The event will feature a variety of both local and national talent. The evening will be hosted by Dumfries and Galloway based performer and poet Hugh McMillan. Hugh is a well published poet, writer and performer. In 2021 he was appointed editor of the Scottish Poetry Library’s anthology ‘Best Scottish Poems’ and also chosen to be a Saltire Society judge for Best Scottish Poetry Collection of the Year.

There will be a musical performance from Wigtownshire born singer Robyn Stapelton. Robyn is a multi-award-winning singer and recording artist, best known for her captivating performances of Scotland’s traditional music. Robyn has performed at Ellisland many times before and her renditions of Burns’ songs have delighted audiences. 

Musician Dr Alasdair C. Whyte will also be performing at the event. Alasdair is a musician, performer and writer from Muile/Mull. His work includes: several albums of original and traditional Gaelic songs as a solo artist and with the bands WHYTE and Niteworks. He is also the author of a book of original prose/poetry in Gaelic and English.  

Prominent Burns academic Dr Pauline Mackay will be delivering a talk on Burns. Pauline is a lecturer at the University of Glasgow and co- director of the centre for Robert Burns Studies. She is the editor of the widely acclaimed book Burns for Every Day of the Year.

Project director of the site Joan McAlpine said “We are delighted that the prestigous Saltire Society have chosen Ellisland and Dumfriesshire to showcase their work, and feature some fantastic local and national talent. It will take place in a barn built by Burns himself which makes it all the more special.”

The evening will run from 6-8pm on Tuesday the 12th of September at Ellisland Farm.