A lantern-lit procession along the River Ness will be the finale of a weekend of events in celebration of the national bard.
The Inverness event is one of many throughout the world celebrating the life and work of Scotland’s most famous poet Robert Burns.
Eden Court Theatre will host a weekend of celebrations on January 21 and 22.
Families can take part in lantern-making workshops throughout the day, and then the venue will show the Burns Stramash Up – a collection of short films created by local primary school children and inspired by Burns’ classic poem “My Heart’s in the Highlands”.
The Big Burns Ceilidh and family-friendly Wee Burns Ceilidh offer the chance to celebrate the Bard in traditional Scottish style, whilst the festival will culminate in a lantern-lit procession for all ages along the River Ness.
It is one of seven diverse events and festivals taking place up and down the country as part of the Scottish Government’s Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme, capturing the true spirit of “Rabbie” and reflecting the quality and diversity of Scottish culture.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, said: “Robert Burns is recognised and commemorated the world over, and has become such an important cultural figure over 200 years after his death.
“He continues to touch people’s lives with his prose, works and songs, and marking his birthday on January 25 is the perfect opportunity for us to come together as a nation to celebrate this, and moreover our rich heritage, culture and creativity.
“We have enhanced our programme this year to include events that reflect Scotland’s cultural and ethnic diversity, celebrating Burns iconic internationalist outlook and egalitarian spirit. We look forward to seeing our nation and friends from around the world come together to remember this remarkable man.”
Lulu, Nicola Benedetti and Eddi Reader will feature in the Big Burns Supper Festival in Dumfries.
There will be “Traditional Tunes for Tiny People” at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, and in Glasgow “Jamaica Sings Robert Burns” as part of Celtic Connections.
