Robert Burns has generously given his name and image to what seems like almost every product and business from Ayrshire over the years. In doing so, he has of course encountered Santa. This ad from the first ever Burns Chronicle and Club Directory in 1892 features Santa conversing with young Robert, enquiring if he has been in Lauder’s Emporium – “the largest and most beautifully appointed of any Scottish provincial Drapery Warehouse.” Interestingly, Santa addresss Burns in Scots!
The Emporiun was at 51 King Street, but sadly is long gone from the town. The Burns Chronicle lives on however, and is still published by the Robert Burns World Federation, Kilmarnock. The Chronicle has recently returned to its original annual format, containing a fantastic range of articles and research from Burns enthusiasts worldwide.
Hi, Back in the 70′s I worked as a Building Control Officer for Kyle & Carrick District Council as a Building Control Officer.A competition was held by the Planning dept. (under Provost Paton) to provide a name for the road the Burns Centre, Alloway was being constructed in.
As a Past President of Dundonald Burns Club and Aberdeen Burns Club, I submitted “Murdoch’s Loan” (named after Robert Murdoch a tutor to Robert & Gilbert Burns in Alloway) and it was so chosen! John Cowan
I am also one of the founders and was a playing member of The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra for 22 years. I have been living in the West Midlands since 1985