The Star in the East: Celebrating Scotland's Bard in Taiwan

British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) Taipei
Scots Lead Celebration Honouring Robert Burns

By Stephen A. Nelson

March-April, 2006

Each year at the end of January, Scots around the world celebrate their national bard: Robert (Rabbie) Burns.

In addition to eating haggis and reading Burns' poetry in the Scots tongue, a key part of the celebrations involves singing a tribute to The Bard. That musical tribute is called The Star of Rabbie Burns.

Given the number of Scots who have lived in Taiwan over the past 150 years, maybe this wasn't the first time that a Burns Supper had been celebrated in Taiwan.

But it was certainly the first time it had been celebrated by the BritCham - and no doubt it was a first for the Taiwanese who joined the feast.