Alloway pupil's outstanding tribute to Robert Burns

Feb 5 2010 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

JOHN Cairney pulled off an amazing Immortal Memory toast at the Ayrshire Hospice Burns Supper.

The actor sat on the stairs, talking to Alloway Primary pupil Wallace Kerr.

And he underlined the poet’s humanitarian view of the world. The P7 pupil also rose magnificently to the occasion with excellent recitations.

The Brig o’ Doon event raised a fantastic total of over £15,000 for the Ayrshire Hospice.

Main sponsors Goodrich were represented by senior executive Bob Gustafson, and flew guests in from France, Norway, Iceland, Syria and the USA.

Goodrich staff member Alistair Hastings, from Maybole, addressed the haggis with gusto at an event chaired by John Milligan CBE, rector of Dundee University.

Rev Jim Smith MBE from Saltcoats hailed the lasses, with a reply from Lesley Richardson, a teacher from West Kilbride. And there was music from Mauchline group Borealis.

Provost Winnie Sloan represented South Ayrshire Council, and Nigel Martin gave the vote of thanks.