Interest in the Scottish Diaspora has grown substantially in recent years. Fresh perspectives and new material have added to our understanding of the Scots abroad. Though the Scots overseas fostered a range of cultural activities which identified them as an ethnic group, the one recurring theme within all sites of settlement was remembrance of the national Bard, Robert Burns. Abroad, as well as at home, from the nineteenth century to the present, the iconic figure of Robert Burns is central to the celebration of a Scottish cultural identity. Indeed, initiatives such as “Tartan Day” and “Homecoming Scotland 2009” emphasise the ongoing global appeal of Burns. The 250th anniversary of the birth of the “ploughman poet” offers an opportune moment to take stock of what Burns means to the Scots Diaspora.

The conference is sponsored by

- Edinburgh Napier University

- Centre for Scottish Studies, University of Guelph

- Institute of Ulster Scots Studies, University of Ulster

Dumfries Museum, Edinburgh University Press, Birlinn, Homecoming Scotland, Ms Zara Chatir (Dean Park Primary School), Ms Joanne Cremona (George Heriot’s School) and Niall Morrison (George Watson's College).