Lament & Legacy

Join us as AK Bell Library transforms into a vibrant meeting place of poetry, music, history, and local passion. In partnership with the Perth Burns Club, we’re bringing the bard’s legacy off the page and into the heart of Perth with a lively event for all ages.

After being piped into the event, you’ll hear a talk on Robert Burns in Perthshire by local expert Donald Paton, music from Plaidsong and the chance to chat with people who know Burns like an old friend. Afterwards, there will be a display of Burns memorabilia, and you can also view and see Robert Burns' work, Lament of Mary Queen of Scots on the Approach of Spring, on loan from the National Library of Scotland as part of its OUTWITH centenary programme.

Expect a warm atmosphere, stirring words, and the chance to explore rarely seen materials from the Local & Family History collection, Museum, Archives and the Perth Burns Club’s own collection. Whether you’re drawn by the talk, the music, or the history, this is a day to connect with the spirit of Scotland’s most iconic poet.