World news story

Burns Night Celebrated in Tashkent

On 26 January Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Mr George Edgar hosted a Burns Night in Tashkent.

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Robert Burns

Burns Night is 25 January, when we commemorate the life and work of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office is joining with Scottish communities and international friends around the world in celebrating Scotland’s heritage, and showcasing the best of Scotland’s culture, food, drink and entrepreneurial spirit.

From Papua New Guinea to Tallinn, and from Saint Petersburg to Cape Town, British diplomats will be taking part in activities. The FCO has been working in coordination with the Scottish Government, and in partnership with Scottish cultural societies and industry groups, to organise successful Burns events.

On 26 January Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Mr George Edgar hosted a Burns Night in Tashkent. Around a hundred guests were invited to attend the festivities, read Burns poems, perform traditional Scottish songs and dances, and try traditional Scottish food including haggis and cock-a-leekie soup.

Her Majesty’s Ambassador said welcoming guests:

Robert Burns’ humanity, his openness to the world and all it offers, and his belief that we should strive to make the world a better and more just place, ensures that his memory will indeed last as long as there are people who love life, and love, and good food and drink, and who believe in freedom and justice. I’m pleased that we are celebrating the life and genius of this great Scottish poet here in Tashkent.

The event was generously sponsored by the Uzbek importers of Chivas Regal, a famous blended Scotch whisky, served during the evening.

Published 27 January 2015