| aughintober, northern ireland

Version:1.0StartHTML:0000000167EndHTML:0000008209StartFragment:0000000632EndFragment:0000008193 p { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }a:link { color: rgb(0, 0, 255); }a.western:link { }a.cjk:link { }a.ctl:link { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }Passengersarriving at the airport in Londonderry yesterday were treated to thesounds of Aughintober piper Gail Graham who worked with VisitScotlandand Ryanair to host a celebration of Burns Night.

28year old Gail from Castlecaulfieldjourneyed to the airport to play for those lucky enough to betravelling on the Ryanair flight from Northern Ireland into Prestwickin Scotland, there were extra treats to mark the lifeand work of the country’s famous bard.

AfterGail’s tuneful welcome, adultpassengers on Prestwick flight were handed complimentary goodie bagscontaining Walkers shortbread and a miniature Johnnie Walker bottleof whisky. They were also given Robert Burns songbooks and joinedmembers of the crew in celebrating the unique talents of Scotland’sbard.

TheVisitScotland initiative aimed to give Northern Ireland passengers areal taste of Scotland on their journey to the home of Robert Burns. Burns Night is celebrated every year across Northern Ireland, withan increasing range of events scheduled throughout the province withthousands of Ulster Scots raising a toast to commemorate the life ofRobert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. Passengers on thePrestwick flight are among thousands of Burns enthusiasts fromNorthern Ireland expected to make the journey by air or sea toperhaps the best place to soak up the tradition and culture…inScotland itself. 

LondonderryMayor and Alderman MauriceDevenneycommented: “We are very pleased to support VisitScotland inbringing a taste of Scotland to the Airport in celebration of BurnsNight this year. Gail’s piping proved somewhat of a wake-up callfor passengers arriving early to the airport. Beyond our ancestralconnections, I believe Northern Ireland has a special affinity withScotland in terms of the warmth and hospitality of our people. Weare therefore delighted to support this special Burns Nightinitiative.”

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MariaMacken of Ryanair said: “Ryanair is delighted to welcome NorthernIreland passengers into Scotland on this special day.  There isno better place to celebrate Burns night than in the birthplace ofthe poet himself. Ryanair operates a total of 62 routes to and fromScotland, giving passengers all over Europe the chance to explorethis fascinating country.”

MalcolmRoughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “People from allover the world enjoy celebrating the work of Scotland’s Bard onBurns Night. Rabbie Burns is an iconic symbol of our country.Visitors to Scotland can visit some of the wonderful places connectedwith Burns as well as experience our famous traditional Burns Nightsupper this evening.”

Thereare a number of special and surprising Burns events scheduled acrossScotland this year.   Whiskylovers will find a warm welcome at Burns-themed events at the Scotchwhisky training school at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburghwhile the Famous Grouse distillery in Perthshire is hosting a specialBurns tour to include; adram, a serving of haggis, neeps and tatties and a Burns recital. Musicand storytelling promise merry-making for all ages with a specialBurnsfest for 2012 taking place as part of Scotland’s WinterFestivals in the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh. Thosevisiting the region of Dumfries and Galloway, can enjoy a newfestival - the Big Burns Supper taking place from 27 - 28 January.

Forthose inspired by Burns Night to explore Scotland in 2012, should goto www.visitscotland.com/surprise,which also contains over 300 discount vouchers for places to stay,things to see and do and places to eat across Scotland.

NorthernIreland travellers to Scotland can avail of additional celebrationsthis year. The Year ofCreative Scotland began on January 1, 2012 and celebrates Scotland’scultural and creative strengths on a world stage with a dynamic andexciting year-long programme of activity celebrating our world-classevents, festivals, culture and heritage. More information about theprogramme can be found at: http://www.visitscotland.com/creative