Unfortunately(Some of you make think it’s a good thing), Robert Burns can mean all things to all people.

I remember going to some very staid Burns Suppers when I was young which I didn’t enjoy. It was only after becoming more immersed in folk and traditional music that I began to appreciate much of his work. It just just seemed more down to earth and natural.

Of course, the culture and work of Burns isn’t necessarily ours to claim either and he, himself, moved in many different circles including the “high society” of the day.

However, it seemed a shame that only singers and musicians from other areas of music were chosen for the BBC programme. Good as they are in their own right, I’d rather have listened to some of our very own traditional singers. Likewise, there could have been a few instrumental pieces from some of our excellent musicians even although the orchestra was enjoyable in its own way.

I’d list a few examples but there are so many possibilities and you’ll probably know them all anyway.