NLC scraps Burns night celebration

North Lanarkshire Council has decided to scrap its annual Burns supper due to falling attendances and difficulties finding sponsors.
The 2017 Burns supper would prove to be the lastThe 2017 Burns supper would prove to be the last
The 2017 Burns supper would prove to be the last

The event celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016, but after raising more than £200,000 for charity over the years the 2017 edition would prove to be the last as bad weather prevented it being held this year.

However, a report to the Civic Functions Group read: “Through changing circumstances year on year it is becoming more difficult to secure sponsors, acquire donated gifts for raffle prizes and stop attendance levels falling.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Other, more popular, dinners/charity events are taking place throughout the year.”

The committee agreed to look at holding an alternative event at a different time of year to continue the council’s fundraising for charity.

Robert Burns World Federation director Murdo Morrison said: “As a former councillor and someone who in the past helped to organise this event I am saddened to hear of this decision, the civic Burns supper was a superb function and a great fundraiser for charity.

“From the perspective of our federation we always regret to hear of such events being cancelled though we appreciate there may have been other factors influencing this decision.”